By MEGGIE I. FOSTER
Associate Editor INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — In a tragic and heart-breaking turn of events on Saturday, five Hoosiers died and dozens were critically injured after a stage collapsed following a “freak” 50-mile-per-hour wind gust during a country concert at the Indiana State Fair.
Just minutes after the National Weather Service issued a thunderstorm warning for Indianapolis, a strong gust of wind whipped across the fairgrounds and sent the rigging above the main stage of the grandstands tumbling to the ground just prior to the Sugarland concert Saturday night.
“Indiana and the nation’s finest fair suffered an unthinkable tragedy last night. Our first and final thoughts today will be with those we’ve lost and the families and friends of those we’ve lost in this terrible accident,” said Gov. Mitch Daniels during a press conference early Sunday morning. “What needs saying most about last night’s freakish accident was that we saw on display the best qualities of both public and private Hoosiers. By every account the response by every responsible entity - Mayor Ballard’s outstanding police and fire forces - our own Indiana State Police, the security force of the State Fair itself, emergency management personnel, was instantaneous and highly professional. It’s equally important to say what I heard over and over and over again last night - that individual Hoosiers ran to the trouble, not from the trouble, by the hundreds, offering in many cases their own professional skills.”
Remembering the fallen
In remembrance of those who were killed and the dozens injured from Saturday’s deadly accident, Gov. Mitch Daniels, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, First Lady Cheri Daniels and numerous State Fair officials hosted a tear-jerking memorial service Monday morning.
“Certain events in life leave us in shock and numb,” said Cheri, who took the stage after her husband, who called her the fair’s No. 1 fan. “These are defining moments that reveal our inner strength.”
Hoosiers have two options, she said, “lose heart and hope or take heart and rebuild. We choose to rebuild.”
Those who died on Saturday include Alina Bigjohny, 23, of Fort Wayne; Christina Santiago, 29, of Chicago; Tammy Vandam, 42, of Wanatah; and 49-year-old Glenn Goodrich of Indianapolis. Nathan Byrd, a 51-year-old stagehand from Indianapolis who was atop the rigging when it fell, died overnight at a local hospital. After the victims names were read aloud colorful bouquets symbolizing the lives lost were carried across the stage by 4-H members. Then in a touching tribute, a state trooper lead the crowd in the singing of “Amazing Grace.”
4-H show cancelled
Due to the heartrending events of that evening, the State Fair closed its gates on Sunday and cancelled all activities, including the 4-H shows affecting many youth across the fairgrounds.
“We are very much in mourning the loss of the victims and we are praying with their families. It’s a very sad at the State Fair and our hearts are really breaking,” said State Fair Executive Director Cindy Hoye. “We appreciate all of you giving us a day to regroup. We are closed today. Today we are working with IOSHA who are looking at the contractor for the structure. We are also working with the state fire marshal’s office to being their internal investigation of this temporary structure as well,” she said.
Events including the 4-H Dairy Show, 4-H and Open Goat Show and the 4-H Sheep Show were all cancelled due to Sunday’s closing. According to fair officials, the 4-H shows will not be rescheduled; however, all fees are being waived for 4-Hers to participate in the open show.
“It was a big bummer,” said 10-year 4-Her Marina Cadle, of Tippecanoe County, who reacted to the fair’s close on Sunday. “They shut down all shows, not just dairy. I wanted to show as my last year, but at the time I understand given the tragic events of Saturday evening.”
Cadle, who left the fair early for her freshmen year at Blackhawk College in Kewanee, Ill., said it made sense why they made the decision they did (to close the fair on Sunday, canceling all events), they focused on what was important and reflected on the lives lost. However, it’s a double-edged sword, because it was a big day for 4-H too and we couldn’t show and it couldn’t be rescheduled.”
“Sunday was a tough day at the Indiana State Fair,” said Chuck Hibberd, member of the State Fair Board and director of Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. “From the vacant, quiet fairgrounds to the general sadness of everyone here, our hearts go out to all those affected by the tragedy. While we won’t forget, and consider ways to show continued support for the victims, I can tell you that the Board of Directors and the staff are moving forward with steely resolve to get the fair going again. We are hopeful that people will continue to choose to be part of this great event. While some events will not be rescheduled, decisions are being made, and current information about the fair schedule will be posted at the Indiana State Fair.”
For a list of cancelled activities, events and FAQs related to the fair’s closing on Sunday or the tragic events of Saturday evening, visit www.indianastatefair.com |
