At approximately 2:42a.m.[a] on November 18, 1999, the annual Aggie Bonfire at Texas A&M University collapsed during its construction, killing 12 people and injuring 27. "Seeing her was really, really tough especially when you know how she's always been, which is so spunky, always a light in a room. "This year, I'm going to face my fears head on surrounded by my family, and speaking out about my accident is definitely a way of helping me accept what's happened.". The family is grateful for all the support from the community, including family, friends and strangers who have provided meals now that Sarah is back to work. A New Hampshire mother is dealing with the death of a child for the second time after one of her sons recently died from a bonfire accident. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. The tradition ended after the accident. We are heart broken, but remain always grateful that she was a part of our lives and world- we just wish it had been for a lot longer with us here on Earth. the Facebook page said. But I dont really think about it (now). When the flames went out, one of the children or her Im not sure of the story accidentally or purposefully put more gas onto the fire to make it higher, Leigh Chesney said. But, after this nineteen-year-old named Natalie attended her Friendsgiving event on November 25, 2019, her life changed forever. In 1999, that game was against the University of Texas. [23], On November 19, 1999, The Arizona Republic released a political cartoon by Steve Benson titled "Texas Bonfire Traditions" that compared the collapse to the Waco siege of 1993 and the 1998 murder of James Byrd Jr.[24] This prompted criticism and negative reactions from the Texas A&M community, and the Republic removed the cartoon. This flyover was donated by US Senator Phil Gramm who, as an elected official, had the title of a flyover reserved for his death and asked that the fly-over be given instead in the honor of the 12 Aggies that died. [7] By 2000 Texas A&M spent over $80,000 so students and administrators could travel to the funerals of the deceased, including $40,000 so 125 students and staff could attend a funeral in Turlock, California by way of private aircraft; most of the persons on board were students. Natalie, 11, had been critically burned in an accident around a fire pit at a friend's home. But the teens had agreed that Korryn would enjoy the end-of-the-year traditional dance in some fashion, even if they had to hold a makeshift prom in the hospital, recalled her mother, Ellen Bachner. Over 40,000 people lit candles and observed up to two hours of silence at the site of the collapse, before walking to Kyle Field for yell practice. It is been two weeks since sophomores James Boyle and Natalie Smith were injured at an outdoor bonfire. Every day, I see improvements, she said. The purpose of this page is to keep our community well informed while supporting local businesses & events! A car accident late Friday night in Union County has left two injured and one dead. [6] John Comstock was the last living person to be removed from the stack. Bigger, better, tougher? The total amount of funds spent by the university on all disaster-related expenses by that date was $292,000. Zofkie family photo. [2], A commission created by Texas A&M University discovered that a number of factors led to the bonfire collapse, including "excessive internal stresses" on the logs and "inadequate containment strength" in the wiring used to tie the logs together. "Everything happened so fast from the moment I poured the petrol to the horror that came afterwards. [11], The following day, the Aggies upset the Texas Longhorns, winning 2016 in the annual rivalry game. In the early stages, many wondered if there would ever be a welcome home for her. Boyle and Smith remain hospitalized at Vanderbilt Hospital. Louise, from Radcliffe, Manchester, said: "At first I was in complete shock. Discovery Company. by Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much At least 5 injured in fire-related incident in Hazel Green Accelerant poured on the fire left both students with severe burns. The collapse time is disputed. James Boyle and Natalie Prescott suffered severe burns in the explosion and are still recovering. HOUSTON A Houston-area survivor of the deadly 1999 Texas A&M University bonfire collapse is recounting his story. COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KETK) - November marks 20 years since one East Texas woman lost her life in a beloved Aggie tradition. "And thats just something simply that we can do by giving 15 minutes. Carmel Fire Department paramedic Arielle Morgan shared a long embrace with Zofkie as family and friends gathered outside the house when the parade concluded. It was an homage to this years prom theme: a night of a thousand lights. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Eli Lilly announced Wednesday a series of price cuts that would lower the price of the most commonly used forms of its insulin 70 percent. [16] In one of the six lawsuits, plaintiffs alleged that A&M officials violated the bonfire victims' right of due process by placing those victims in a "state-created danger" by not ensuring the bonfire's structural integrity and by allowing unqualified students to work on the stack. Her uncle Dan told NBC 5 Thursday night she's in a medically induced coma and fighting for her life. [4], Within minutes of the collapse, word of the accident spread among students and the community. A 16-year-old Florida girl who was badly burned in a 2017 New Years Eve bonfire accident has died, according to her mother. "It appears an 18-year-old boy who lived at the residence, a 16-year-old girl and another teenage couple as well, started a bonfire," Hancock Chief . One would allow the government to recover past overpayments. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Get email updates with the day's biggest stories. "Shes doing the best she can for the circumstances that they are," he said. "Over the years, I have been terrified of bonfire night and fireworks, but I have a grandson now, and I don't want to miss out on important parts of his childhood. Layne Chesney was 14 years old and a star softball player when the accident happened in Fort Pierce. Glenbard East Hight School held a car wash raising proceeds for the survivors. That's the other thing that makes this hard because there is no gold standard as to what is going to happen because every burn survivor is different, and every rehab is different. He stayed with me, instead of going to prom, she said. Natalie Smith and James Boyle were burned at an outdoor fire in November. Officials have not released the names of the victims; the Bachners described the teens as having varying degrees of injuries, some still hospitalized. Smith collided with a Toyota Tacoma driven by 30-year-old Natalie Swauger, of Seaside. He spent months in the hospital following amputation of his left leg and partial paralysis of his right side. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. They were both med-flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, where Natalie spent seventy-seven days in the burn unit before going to rehab. [15], Parents of students injured or killed in the collapse filed lawsuits against Texas A&M officials, including President Ray Bowen, Vice President of Student Affairs J. Malon Southerland, the 1999 redpots, and the university. A website raising money for Chesney's medical costs reached more than $23,000 Thursday evening. [14] Various organizations also established funds in memory of the victims and to help with expenses incurred because of the accident. First truckloads of contaminated waste dumped in Putnam County landfill, IMPD releases edited bodycam of man shot, critically injured by officers after chase, Wednesday evening Live Doppler 13 forecast March 1, 2023, Live Doppler 13 Weather Blog: Heavy rain, storms return Friday, 12-year-old boy and his dog killed by wildfire in Oregon, Young heroes rescue Marion man from burning home. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. [13], The Bonfire Memorial Commission collected the hundreds of thousands of items that were left by grieving visitors at the site of the collapse. A friend painted her nails a bright shade of pink to match the flowers on her dress, the flesh of her hands shiny and newly grown, still recovering from the burns. A color guard stood at attention as the family car pulled into the driveway and Zofkie exited the backseat. "I could feel the heat quickly nearing my face, but I couldn't get my trousers off because I was wearing my partners slippers. Louise pleaded with people to stay safe and not take risks as bonfire night arrives and celebrations begin. Despite their efforts, Layne had third-degree burns over 95% of her body, her mother said. . But burn healing is a long, long process. "I wouldn't wish what happened to me upon my worst enemy and I hope everyone out there stays safe this bonfire night.". I guess the gas can had about this much left in it, and the fumes are what ignited and caused the fire," Sarah said. Tragedy At 2:42 a.m. on Nov. 18, 1999, the towering student-built bonfire collapsed, tragically killing a dozen students and injuring more than two dozen others. 2021 Chip Chick Media Inc. All rights reserved. I dont know if I fell out of my seat, because of the impact.. [10], At noon, students held an impromptu prayer service in the center of campus, at Rudder Fountain. Smith and two passengers20-year-old Erick Fadness, of Decorah, Iowa, and an unidentified 16-year-old girl . For information about the documentary, including showtimes and locations, click here. Zofkie was at a friend's house in Carmel that night making s'mores. "I sat in the [waiting] room for like three or four hours while they tried to stabilize her. Right now, Boyle needs seven blood transfusions. Natalie is burned mostly on her torso and face/scalp, about 40% of her body. He was in his 30s and from the Antiville area of Larne. To her mother, the raw, new skin appears a little bit better each time the dressing is removed and replaced. NOBLESVILLE, Ind. Please subscribe to keep reading. She tells them her daughter is alive because of them. People sent thousands of e-mails about the cartoon to the newspaper offices. 99% of her body was burned in the accident and is now on life support and in a medically induced coma. Katharina Buczek "I am not 100% better. He said he was going to bring prom to me somehow no matter what., Korryns date had invited her to dance with an elaborate promposal.. The game began with a flyover of F-16 jets, all piloted by former A&M students, in the missing man formation. Georgia, who was upstairs at the time, came rushing down to the sound of Louise's screams, and filled up several jugs of water to frantically throw over her mother. The gentle dabs of gauze feel like shards of glass on the 15-year-olds cheek. Bowen formed a task force, which proposed a new design. A Warner Bros. Nov. 18, 2019. will mark 20 years since the nearly 60-foot timber structure collapsed. People have left food for the Zofkie family now that Sarah has returned to work while Natalie is still recovering in the hospital. "He told me to call everybody because she was not going to make it," Sarah said. It was a little bit of a tough couple of months, said Zofkie. And for her to survive and be here today is a true miracle.". Eventually, Louise's clothes were wet enough to extinguish the flames and she was able to briefly escape the torture she'd just endured. Send an email to angelsofnataliezofkie@gmail.com for more information and to contribute. Davis went on to graduate, get married and have two children. With so much changing so quickly, keep on top of what is happening with the Mirror's news updates by email. "They went out on the deck and were out there making s'mores, and Natalie poured gas on the fire to make it bigger. The man who died after an accident while helping to build a bonfire at a site in County Antrim has been named locally as John Steele. "She's the community little sister. It heals through time.. This was eight days before the fire pit explosion, which she describes as a horrible accident. The . [12], On November 25, 1999, the date that the bonfire would have burned, Aggies instead held a vigil and remembrance ceremony. But I'd rather be tortured than be crippled. Several people received . A few days after the accident, Laynes mother told CNN affiliate WFOR, that her daughter and friends were roasting marshmallows that night at a friends backyard. The mum of two suffered third degree burns all over her lower body and arms leaving her in need of a skin graft. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. The sixth-grade girl then stood at the sidewalk as more fire engines, police cars and vehicles driven by other supporters filed past the house. James ran for 3 minutes while on fire as he was attempting to strip his burning clothes. He spent months undergoing rehabilitation for a shattered femur, all while grappling with the nightmare he survived. The Glendale Heights Police Department said officers responded to an incident at the 1800 block of Marci Ct. around 10:16 p.m. Saturday. [22] The final lawsuit, filed against two companies that provided crane operators and cranes for the bonfire, was settled in April 2014. She was airlifted to hospital as a result of her injuries and spent the next two weeks in intensive care. On Friday, a documentary called "The 13th Man, a Charlie Minn Film" will open at seven Houston-area theaters. The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band also played a tribute to the victims and, contrary to the usual tradition, marched off the field in a silent cadence. Accelerant poured on the fire left both students with severe burns. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, READ THE DOCUMENTS: Akorn's Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, UAW, Caterpillar reach tentative agreement, Decatur workers file class action lawsuit against Akorn, LSA to become Unity Christian School this summer, Akorn files for bankruptcy, hit with class action suits, Judge change in Decatur couple child rape and porn case, Decatur Public Schools announces new diversity, equity, and inclusion superintendent, Decatur man prints himself a gun, police say, Two candidates withdraw from Decatur school board race, Decatur police: Driver too drunk to tell 'park' from 'reverse', Akorn closing Decatur, all US operations; stuns workers, city leaders, Fleeing Decatur driver had child in car, police say, Wife attacks husband; now he needs surgery, Search the latest Macon County real estate transfers. You need to get to Riley,'" Sarah recalled. Everybody has hung out with her, babysat her, done something.". Davis was buried, pinned in a small cavity with several broken bones and a collapsed lung. [18][19] The 5th U.S. People tried to put out the fire. RELATED: New documentary examines cause of Texas A&M bonfire collapse 20 years later, RELATED: 17 years later: Aggies remember bonfire tragedy, RELATED: Mourners recall 1999 Texas A&M bonfire accident, Nearly 20 years after the deadly Texas A&M bonfire collapse, a Houston man recounts his story of survival, 10 people run from traffic stop in west Houston, Memorial Villages PD says, Man ticketed for feeding Houston's homeless outside of library. Davis spent seven days in the ICU and another couple of weeks in the hospital. Sophia drove overnight to be by Natalie's side. A Carmel Fire Department engine led the parade of more than 50 vehicles Wednesday through a Noblesville neighborhood to escort 12-year-old Natalie Zofkie home from the hospital. The wiring broke after logs from upper tiers were "wedged" into lower tiers. "I've had countless nightmares where I've woken up thinking I was burning and my kids have had to come in and calm me down. [6], The university gave the National Forestry Hero Award to an employee of Steely Lumber Co., James Gibson, for rescuing students. Natalie pulled through that first night, then the first week and now the first month. [2][4], Of the 58 students and former students working on the stack, 12 were killed and 27 were injured. "We're able to use a combination of her own skin, spray skin and some cultured skin, which we sent away to get cultured, and that comes back to me in about three to four weeks," Dr. Hartman said. Aggie students, who normally sit only when the opposing band plays, stood throughout both performances and gave both standing ovations. As she was at a friends house, she was involved in a bonfire accident. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Louise Chadwick suffered 13 severe burns on her shins, thighs, legs, feet, arms . Theres a form of survivors guilt, for sure, she said. Websites in favor of the bonfire continuing: Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}303722N 962007W / 30.6227N 96.3352W / 30.6227; -96.3352 (Bonfire Memorial)- Bonfire Memorial, Recovery operation the morning after the incident. She sits in the bathtub to keep warm, a heater on full blast raising the temperature in the bathroom as she shivers. "It was less than a 30-minute drive, but it felt like we were never going to get there," Sarah said. She was walking in the hospital by December. On April 20, she arrived home after dark to find lit candles spelling PROM? across her driveway. She poured gasoline on the fire to make it bigger. With the weather in full chill and Thanksgiving right around the corner, countless friend groups throughout the country will be planning their own holiday dinner to give thanks. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the remaining lawsuits against Texas A&M and its officials in April 2007. The task force recommended that students be allowed to participate in building the bonfire as long as they were monitored by professional construction experts. TAMECT alerted the University Police and University EMS, who dispatched all remaining university medics, and requested mutual aid from surrounding agencies. "That's when my pajama bottoms set alight and the flames started to rise up towards my torso. Here's what to know. The petrol can Louise was holding immediately caught fire and she dropped it on the floor, spilling it all over the grass. Natalie's family is counting on her resilience for the grueling months ahead, but her mom is taking it one day at a time. While the pair may have a long journey ahead, they won't make it alone. The film details the Bonfire collapse, follows the survivors and honors those who died. Daniel Hewey, 20, died from his injuries after he was . The blood drive will be held at the school on Monday, December 16th at the high school from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. She has a spirit like nobody else." The Glendale Heights Police Department said officers responded to an incident at the 1800 block of Marci Ct. around 10:16 p.m. Saturday. All rights reserved. But I'm just glad to be out.". Within hours, 50 news satellite trucks were broadcasting from the Texas A&M campus. On December 1, the newspaper sent a total of $10,000 in two checks as a peace offering to the university, with $5,000 to the Bonfire Memorial Fund and $5,000 to the Bonfire Relief Fund. COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KTRK) -- Hundreds gathered on the campus of Texas A &M University early Wednesday to remember the 12 people who died when Aggie Bonfire collapsed 21 years ago. On November 25, 1999, the date that the bonfire would have burned, Aggies instead held a vigil and remembrance ceremony. A Carmel Fire Department engine led the parade of more than 50 vehicles Wednesday through a Noblesville neighborhood to escort 12-year-old Natalie Zofkie home from the hospital. An explosion occurred. 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