A seventh victim has died from last Saturday's stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair.
According to the Indiana State Police and Marion County Coroner's Office, 24 year old Meaghan Toothman of Cincinnati has died after being on life support. Toothman was cheerleading coach at Turpin High School in Cincinnati.
The stage collapse that has killed at least seven and injured over 40, was as the result of an outflow boundary or gust front associated with a line of severe storms that moved into the area that evening. No survey was done, but Accuweather.com's Meteorologist Henry Margusity believes that the stage collapse could have been as a result of a gustnado.
Jenny Haskell, 22, a senior at Ball State University; Tammy Vandam, 42, of Wanatah; Alina Bigjohny, 23, of Fort Wayne; Glenn Goodrich, 49, of Indianapolis; Christina Santiago, 29, of Chicago; and Nathan Byrd, 51, of Indianapolis, were also killed in the stage collapse.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Toll in Indiana fair stage collapse rises to six
The death toll from the collapse of an outdoor concert stage in heavy wind just before a show at the Indiana State Fair last week rose to six on Friday with the death of a Ball State University senior.
Jennifer Haskell of Muncie, who had attended the fair with a friend who was also killed, died on Friday, the same day her friend Alina BigJohny, 23, was buried in Fort Wayne.
More than 40 people were injured in the stage collapse on Saturday night when a blast of wind whipped through the grandstand area just minutes before the country duo Sugarland was set to begin performing.
"After a long, courageous battle, Jenny Haskell died at 8:15 this morning from her injuries sustained from the tragedy at the State Fair," Haskell's parents said in a statement released by Ball State University officials.
Haskell, 22, was majoring in exercise science and was active on the campus landscaping crew.
Governor Mitch Daniels has asked the Indiana Inspector General to assign several staffers to the State Fair Commission to assist in the fact finding and documentation procurement aspect of an investigation into the incident.
The fair commission has hired Thornton Tomasetti, a New York engineering company, to coordinate and conduct the structural portion of the investigation. The Washington D.C.-based firm of Witt Associates will do an analysis of the fair's preparedness and response to the event.
Jennifer Haskell of Muncie, who had attended the fair with a friend who was also killed, died on Friday, the same day her friend Alina BigJohny, 23, was buried in Fort Wayne.
More than 40 people were injured in the stage collapse on Saturday night when a blast of wind whipped through the grandstand area just minutes before the country duo Sugarland was set to begin performing.
"After a long, courageous battle, Jenny Haskell died at 8:15 this morning from her injuries sustained from the tragedy at the State Fair," Haskell's parents said in a statement released by Ball State University officials.
Haskell, 22, was majoring in exercise science and was active on the campus landscaping crew.
Governor Mitch Daniels has asked the Indiana Inspector General to assign several staffers to the State Fair Commission to assist in the fact finding and documentation procurement aspect of an investigation into the incident.
The fair commission has hired Thornton Tomasetti, a New York engineering company, to coordinate and conduct the structural portion of the investigation. The Washington D.C.-based firm of Witt Associates will do an analysis of the fair's preparedness and response to the event.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
First lawsuits filed over deadly Indiana fair collapse
(Reuters) - The first wrongful death lawsuits have been filed as a result of the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis last week which killed six and injured more than 40 others, lawyers said onSaturday.
Suits were filed on behalf of Tammy VanDam of Wanatah, Indiana, 42, the mother of a 17-year-old daughter, and her partner Beth Urschel, 49.
VanDam was killed by the collapse of the stage after a high blast of wind whipped through the grandstand area just minutes before the country duo Sugarland was scheduled to perform. Urschel was severely injured.
Although Indiana law does not recognize the rights of same-sex couples, "this is an inequity we also intend to address in this lawsuit," Kenneth J. Allen, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement.
"Tammy's death is not only devastating for Beth, it also leaves her daughter without a mother's love and guidance during the most vulnerable stage of her life," Allen said.
Allen said Beth Urschel suffered "serious and painful crush injuries" and will have lifelong impairment. Defendants include Mid-America Sound Corp, Live Nation Worldwide and Lucas Entertainment Group.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has asked the Indiana Inspector General to assign several staffers to the State Fair Commission to assist in the fact finding and documentation procurement aspect of an investigation into the incident.
The fair commission has hired Thornton Tomasetti, a New York engineering company, to coordinate and conduct the structural portion of the investigation.
The Washington D.C.-based firm of Witt Associates will do an analysis of the fair's preparedness and response to the event.
"This was a terrible tragedy that could and should have been prevented; the responsible parties must be held to account," Allen said.
(Writing by Mary Wisniewski; Reporting by Susan Guyett: Editing by Jerry Norton)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
How Sugarland Survived the Collapse
Sugarland likely saved by tour manager's decision
AP, Aug 15, 2011 8:44 pm PDTWhen they heard the deafening boom of the stage crashing, Sugarland and crew hit the ground and took cover against a wall, thinking it was going to collapse on top of them. At some point, they made it out of the dust and debris and converged on their tour bus.
"There was no running out anywhere," Sugarland manager Gail Gellman told The Associated Press on Monday. "No one knew what happened. It was just the moment when your eyes get big."
Gellman said others felt it was safe to go on stage, but Rollens ultimately acted on her intuition.
"As a tour manager, it's super important to understand what the weather conditions are when you play outside. We've always talked about not putting the band on during wind, lightning or heavy rain," said Gellman, who was in Las Vegas with another client that night.
"Everybody was standing in a prayer circle getting ready to go onstage, and Hellen, as she was walking down the ramp, the stage fell. So her decision to hold them for literally a minute saved every band member and crew's life."
The calamity has deeply touched Sugarland members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush.
Nettles said in a statement that she watched video of the collapse on the news "in horror" and was "moved by the grief of those families who lost loved ones." She said she was also "moved by the great heroism" of fans who ran toward the stage to help rescue the injured.
Gellman met up with Nettles on Sunday and has watched her struggle to cope since then.
"There are moments I can see great clarity in her eyes, and there are moments I can see her tears well up so much that I just don't know what to do," Gellman said. "She's just processing and wants to encourage people to be together, to support each other."
Bush went home to be with his children in Georgia.
Gellman strongly believes it was the weather and not a staging problem that brought down the Indiana State Fair structure. She said it will not dictate how she guides her acts in the future.
"I would pose the same question to every band that goes out there, Keith Urban, Kenny (Chesney). We all tour during the summer. We all play outside. We're all cognizant and very aware of what we hang and what we do," she said. "We have restrictions and requirements (from each venue), and we stand by every single one of them."
Sugarland's elaborate set for their "Incredible Machine" tour was destroyed in the collapse. They canceled their Sunday show at the Iowa State Fair, but are "hoping and preparing" to perform as scheduled in Albuquerque, N.M., Thursday.
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Online: http://www.sugarlandmusic.com
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Caitlin R. King can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/AP_Country
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Indiana State Fair Disaster Exposes Regulatory Gaps
The weekend tragedy that took five lives, and hurt at least 40 other people, at the Indiana State Fair is exposing gaps in safety oversight and highlighting the hazards of outdoors shows.
The regulatory void in Indiana begins with a lack of supervision of the companies that construct temporary outdoor stages such as the one that collapsed Saturday amid high winds — the firms aren’t required to get state building permits. As a result, they don’t have to submit engineering plans
“There is no permitting process,” the department spokesman told The Indianapolis Star. “There is no regulation on it.”
And even though the city of Indianapolis requires permits for temporary structures, the city lacks that authority in this case because the fair is on state-owned property, as The Associated Press reports.
Also at issue is why no evacuation was ordered before the 60 mph winds and heavy rain reached the fairgrounds. Although Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels at least initially called the stage collapse an unforeseeable “fluke,” a timeline released by the Indiana State Police indicates that fair officials were alerted about the likelihood of a severe thunderstorm several times in the hours before the disaster.
“It was quite foreseeable,” said Mike Smith, senior vice president of AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions. “The State Fair should have had someone making a call that if a weather warning was issued, the area would have been evacuated immediately.”
A fair spokesman said the fair’s executive director, Cindy Hoye, and Indiana State Police Capt. Brad Weaver were headed to the stage to order an evacuation when it collapsed.
Today, according to another AP account, Daniels said he might support mandating inspections of temporary structures like the State Fair stage that collapsed. He also said, however, that the fair’s existing emergency plan is a “pretty well thought through policy.”
The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the state fire marshal are investigating the accident.
According to Rolling Stone, the Indianapolis tragedy was the third outdoor concert of the summer in which abrupt, heavy winds destroyed all or part of a stage, prompting questions about whether outdoor shows are safe for bands and fans. The previous concerts disrupted by winds were in Ottawa, Canada, and Tulsa, Okla. In both of those cases, tragedies were narrowly avoided.
The regulatory void in Indiana begins with a lack of supervision of the companies that construct temporary outdoor stages such as the one that collapsed Saturday amid high winds — the firms aren’t required to get state building permits. As a result, they don’t have to submit engineering plans
“There is no permitting process,” the department spokesman told The Indianapolis Star. “There is no regulation on it.”
And even though the city of Indianapolis requires permits for temporary structures, the city lacks that authority in this case because the fair is on state-owned property, as The Associated Press reports.
Also at issue is why no evacuation was ordered before the 60 mph winds and heavy rain reached the fairgrounds. Although Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels at least initially called the stage collapse an unforeseeable “fluke,” a timeline released by the Indiana State Police indicates that fair officials were alerted about the likelihood of a severe thunderstorm several times in the hours before the disaster.
“It was quite foreseeable,” said Mike Smith, senior vice president of AccuWeather Enterprise Solutions. “The State Fair should have had someone making a call that if a weather warning was issued, the area would have been evacuated immediately.”
A fair spokesman said the fair’s executive director, Cindy Hoye, and Indiana State Police Capt. Brad Weaver were headed to the stage to order an evacuation when it collapsed.
Today, according to another AP account, Daniels said he might support mandating inspections of temporary structures like the State Fair stage that collapsed. He also said, however, that the fair’s existing emergency plan is a “pretty well thought through policy.”
The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the state fire marshal are investigating the accident.
According to Rolling Stone, the Indianapolis tragedy was the third outdoor concert of the summer in which abrupt, heavy winds destroyed all or part of a stage, prompting questions about whether outdoor shows are safe for bands and fans. The previous concerts disrupted by winds were in Ottawa, Canada, and Tulsa, Okla. In both of those cases, tragedies were narrowly avoided.
SC officials say state fairgrounds ready for weather dangers by Brian McConchie
Read more: Local, Community, News, SC State Fair, Indiana State Fair, Severe Weather, Gary Goodman, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels
COLUMBIA, SC (WACH) - Days after five people were killed and dozens were injured by a stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair, fair officials in South Carolina are taking note of the tragedy.
Wind gusts between 60 and 70 miles per hour toppled the stage on Saturday night as an estimated 12,000 people were waiting to see the band Sugarland. On Monday, hundreds of mourners gathered at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to remember those lost in the tragedy.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels told the mourners the stage collapse was especially sad because the state fair is "a family reunion of all Hoosiers," where farmers and city dwellers gather for fun. Daniels praised the people who rushed to the stage to help the injured.
South Carolina State Fair general manager Gary Goodman has visited the Indiana State Fair, is familiar with their facilities and has spoken with people there since Saturday's stage collapse.
"It's a sad situation,"said Goodman. "It was just a tragedy that you cannot comprehend."
Like most state fairs, South Carolina has an extensive lineup of musical acts that will perform for the thousands of visitors that come to the fairgrounds. Goodman says there are strict policies in place that govern how these outdoor concerts are handled in the event of severe weather.
"We have a standing policy where if there are high winds, lightning, the concerts are shut down until all those warnings go away," said Goodman. "We ask everyone to leave the grandstand area and seek cover."
Goodman also says the construction of the stage at the South Carolina State Fair is different than the one in Indiana. Goodman points out the stage in Columbia can be lowered in less than a minute should severe weather hit the region, the one in Indiana was a fixed structure.
In the event of inclement weather, all patrons at the fair can be alerted by the fairground-wide audio system or by deputies on patrol who are asked to inform people of severe weather and to seek shelter.
Since 2008 there have been two accidental deaths at the South Carolina State Fair. On the last day of the fair in 2008, a fair worker was killed while he was apparently taking measurements for future maintenance on a ride called "The Inverter" when he was crushed by a counterweight while the ride was operating. OSHA cited North American Midway Entertainment for two violations in the case and the company ultimately paid a $2,000 fine.
In October 2010, Roger Thompson, 43, of Florida, was electrocuted while working on a ride called "The Rainbow." Thompson, a veteran of the fair industry, had worked for a number of companies for more than two decades.
Neither of the recent deaths at the South Carolina State Fair were impacted by weather situations like the event in Indiana.
"All you can do is prepare, prepare, prepare and do what you think is best for the patron," said Goodman.
Wind gusts between 60 and 70 miles per hour toppled the stage on Saturday night as an estimated 12,000 people were waiting to see the band Sugarland. On Monday, hundreds of mourners gathered at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to remember those lost in the tragedy.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels told the mourners the stage collapse was especially sad because the state fair is "a family reunion of all Hoosiers," where farmers and city dwellers gather for fun. Daniels praised the people who rushed to the stage to help the injured.
South Carolina State Fair general manager Gary Goodman has visited the Indiana State Fair, is familiar with their facilities and has spoken with people there since Saturday's stage collapse.
"It's a sad situation,"said Goodman. "It was just a tragedy that you cannot comprehend."
Like most state fairs, South Carolina has an extensive lineup of musical acts that will perform for the thousands of visitors that come to the fairgrounds. Goodman says there are strict policies in place that govern how these outdoor concerts are handled in the event of severe weather.
"We have a standing policy where if there are high winds, lightning, the concerts are shut down until all those warnings go away," said Goodman. "We ask everyone to leave the grandstand area and seek cover."
Goodman also says the construction of the stage at the South Carolina State Fair is different than the one in Indiana. Goodman points out the stage in Columbia can be lowered in less than a minute should severe weather hit the region, the one in Indiana was a fixed structure.
In the event of inclement weather, all patrons at the fair can be alerted by the fairground-wide audio system or by deputies on patrol who are asked to inform people of severe weather and to seek shelter.
Since 2008 there have been two accidental deaths at the South Carolina State Fair. On the last day of the fair in 2008, a fair worker was killed while he was apparently taking measurements for future maintenance on a ride called "The Inverter" when he was crushed by a counterweight while the ride was operating. OSHA cited North American Midway Entertainment for two violations in the case and the company ultimately paid a $2,000 fine.
In October 2010, Roger Thompson, 43, of Florida, was electrocuted while working on a ride called "The Rainbow." Thompson, a veteran of the fair industry, had worked for a number of companies for more than two decades.
Neither of the recent deaths at the South Carolina State Fair were impacted by weather situations like the event in Indiana.
"All you can do is prepare, prepare, prepare and do what you think is best for the patron," said Goodman.
Mom recounts stage collapsing at the Indiana State Fair
By: Valerie Miller
ERLANGER, Ky. - An Erlanger mother and daughter are hospitalized in Indianapolis after suffering severe injuries from the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair. Shannon Walcott and her daughter Jade were at the fairgrounds on Saturday night waiting for the Sugarland concert to begin when a strong gust of wind, estimated at 60-70 mph, ripped through the grandstand and toppled over the tall supports holding up lights and roof for the stage.
Shannon and her daughter were in the second row. When they saw the stage falling, they ran, holding hands, but they could not run fast enough. The metal landed on top of them. Shannon's mom and Jade's grandmother, Colleen Berger, spoke with 9 News Monday night and relayed Shannon's account of what happened immediately after the stage collapsed.
"Shannon could be seen under the scaffolding. She was able to tell them, my 10-year-old daughter is under there. The people yelled, there's a 10-year-old girl under there. And there was people crowding and lifting up scaffolding and they got Jade," Berger said. "And Jade would not be there if they had not gotten her then and if she had not gotten to the hospital right then."
Berger added that because of the quick rescue and fast work of emergency responders, Jade was having surgery within 30 minutes of the accident.
Berger said her daughter is a real estate agent, but has no insurance. The family, as well as other friends, established funds to help the family with medical bills which will add up quickly. She said the work by doctors, nurses and staff at Wishard Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children has been outstanding.
She said that is equally matched by the outpouring of support by friends and community members. She said there are thousands praying, they get hundreds of emails daily wishing the family well. She added that Facebook is helping to share the progress that Shannon and Jade are making.
"We are so thankful and, of course, what we are most thankful for, is the prayers," Berger said. "We are seeing miracles every day so we're counting our blessings."
There is a fund now established to help support the family financially. Anyone can make a donation at any PNC Bank to the Shannon and Jade Recovery Trust.
Berger said one of the most difficult things for her daughter to deal with right now is that she cannot see her own daughter. She is working with her doctors to determine how and when she will be able to see Jade at the hospital.
ERLANGER, Ky. - An Erlanger mother and daughter are hospitalized in Indianapolis after suffering severe injuries from the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair. Shannon Walcott and her daughter Jade were at the fairgrounds on Saturday night waiting for the Sugarland concert to begin when a strong gust of wind, estimated at 60-70 mph, ripped through the grandstand and toppled over the tall supports holding up lights and roof for the stage.
Shannon and her daughter were in the second row. When they saw the stage falling, they ran, holding hands, but they could not run fast enough. The metal landed on top of them. Shannon's mom and Jade's grandmother, Colleen Berger, spoke with 9 News Monday night and relayed Shannon's account of what happened immediately after the stage collapsed.
"Shannon could be seen under the scaffolding. She was able to tell them, my 10-year-old daughter is under there. The people yelled, there's a 10-year-old girl under there. And there was people crowding and lifting up scaffolding and they got Jade," Berger said. "And Jade would not be there if they had not gotten her then and if she had not gotten to the hospital right then."
Berger added that because of the quick rescue and fast work of emergency responders, Jade was having surgery within 30 minutes of the accident.
Berger said her daughter is a real estate agent, but has no insurance. The family, as well as other friends, established funds to help the family with medical bills which will add up quickly. She said the work by doctors, nurses and staff at Wishard Hospital and Riley Hospital for Children has been outstanding.
She said that is equally matched by the outpouring of support by friends and community members. She said there are thousands praying, they get hundreds of emails daily wishing the family well. She added that Facebook is helping to share the progress that Shannon and Jade are making.
"We are so thankful and, of course, what we are most thankful for, is the prayers," Berger said. "We are seeing miracles every day so we're counting our blessings."
There is a fund now established to help support the family financially. Anyone can make a donation at any PNC Bank to the Shannon and Jade Recovery Trust.
Berger said one of the most difficult things for her daughter to deal with right now is that she cannot see her own daughter. She is working with her doctors to determine how and when she will be able to see Jade at the hospital.
Services for incoming MCS teacher Thursday, Friday
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Visitation and funeral arrangements for Alina BigJohny, 23, have been announced.
BigJohny, who was killed during the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, was an incoming teacher for Muncie Community Schools.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, Ft. Wayne. Visitation will be 2-9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
According to the obituary, which appeared in today’s Fort Wayne News Sentinel, BigJohny was a 2007 graduate of Wayne High School and was the salutatorian of her class. She was also the captain of the gymnastics team, editor-in-chief of the school paper and senior class president at Wayne High School. She graduated in May of 2011 with honors from Manchester College. She was planning on teaching seventh grade this fall at Wilson Middle School, Muncie.
In a MCS press release, “Supt. Tim Heller and the Muncie Community Schools Board of School Trustees send their sincere sympathies to Alina's parents, Robert and Polly BigJohny, her sister and brother, and grandparents.”
BigJohny, who was killed during the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair on Saturday, was an incoming teacher for Muncie Community Schools.
Services will be 11 a.m. Friday at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road, Ft. Wayne. Visitation will be 2-9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.
According to the obituary, which appeared in today’s Fort Wayne News Sentinel, BigJohny was a 2007 graduate of Wayne High School and was the salutatorian of her class. She was also the captain of the gymnastics team, editor-in-chief of the school paper and senior class president at Wayne High School. She graduated in May of 2011 with honors from Manchester College. She was planning on teaching seventh grade this fall at Wilson Middle School, Muncie.
In a MCS press release, “Supt. Tim Heller and the Muncie Community Schools Board of School Trustees send their sincere sympathies to Alina's parents, Robert and Polly BigJohny, her sister and brother, and grandparents.”
Sugarland Plans "Private Memorial" in Indiana
Country group plans to resume concert tour Thursday
By Stan Lehr
Sugarland is planning a "private memorial in Indiana" to honor those who died in the Indiana State Fair stage collapse.
Band members say they will first give the victims' families "time to go through their own services and memorials." A statement posted to their website says there "is healing in our working together."
With that, Sugarland will return to the road Thursday with a scheduled performance in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They'll be using new instruments and equipment, to replace what they lost Saturday night.
We're also hearing that ticket sales to the Train and Maroon 5 concert--a victims' benefit now--have been halted because sales have already hit the limit.
The grandstand would have seated 15,000. But the show is being moved to Conseco Fieldhouse, which will hold 12,000 in concert configuration.
By Stan Lehr
Band members say they will first give the victims' families "time to go through their own services and memorials." A statement posted to their website says there "is healing in our working together."
With that, Sugarland will return to the road Thursday with a scheduled performance in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They'll be using new instruments and equipment, to replace what they lost Saturday night.
We're also hearing that ticket sales to the Train and Maroon 5 concert--a victims' benefit now--have been halted because sales have already hit the limit.
The grandstand would have seated 15,000. But the show is being moved to Conseco Fieldhouse, which will hold 12,000 in concert configuration.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Indiana State Fair to reopen after tragedy By Susan Guyett
INDIANAPOLIS |
(Reuters) - The Indiana State Fair was scheduled to reopen on Monday with a remembrance service set for 9 a.m., a fair announcement said, after a weekend tragedy in which five people were killed by the collapse of an outdoor concert stage in heavy wind.The disaster occurred on Saturday night and the fair had been shut down on Sunday.
More than 40 people were injured in the collapse just minutes before the country duo Sugarland was set to begin performing, Indiana State Police said.
"Today will be about grieving for and with the victims and about starting the necessary process of repair to get the fair back under way," Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels told CNN on Monday.
Concert officials had informed spectators prior to the show that the concert might have to be postponed due to the weather, but a strong gust blew the stage over before any official evacuation order was issued.
Asked whether more precautions should have been taken in light of the storm forecast, Daniels said: "Obviously everyone regrets the outcome here, but you know our first instinct in Indiana is not to go rushing around looking for scapegoats."
"I'm not saying that we're not going to find many things that could have been done differently. I'm only saying that I know the people who run this operation. They think safety all the time and I know that their hearts are broken that in this case this event took place as it did."
Daniels said separately on the CBS Early Show that while it was legitimate to ask whether the concert should have been canceled, nothing else on the fairgrounds had been affected by the blast of wind that hit the stage.
Some of the injuries from the disaster were extremely serious, and more people could die, State Police Sergeant Dave Bursten said at a news conference on Sunday.
State fire marshals and the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the collapse.
Spectators tried to hold up parts of the collapsed stage that fell into the standing area below to help anyone who might be trapped, eyewitnesses said.
Sugarland sent a Twitter message on Saturday night about the incident, saying: "We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you'll join us. They need your strength."
The Hoosier Lottery Grandstand at the state fairgrounds can seat more than 15,000 people.
A statement on the fair's website announcing the memorial service on Monday also said all gates would open at 8 a.m. for the general public and admission charges would begin at 10 a.m.
(Additional reporting by Vicki Allen in Washington; Editing by Barbara Goldberg and Jerry Norton)
Christina Santiago worked to better women's lives
Community activist Christina Santiago and her partner, Alisha Marie Brennon, drove from their Chicago home to see Sugarland perform at the Indiana State Fair, a trip a year in the planning.
Santiago, 29, died Saturday night when strong winds toppled the stage at the fairgrounds. Brennon remains in critical condition at Wishard Memorial Hospital.
The trip was rare time away from work for Santiago, a manager at the Community Care Project at Howard Brown Health Center in Chicago.
"The sudden and devastating loss of Christina has left the entire community, including her Howard Brown Health Center family, heartbroken," said Jamal M. Edwards, president and chief executive of the center. "Christina was an amazing woman -- one of our very brightest stars -- who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women."
Santiago and Brennon had been partners for more than two years.
Santiago's work to expand the center's women's health services division earned her recognition. In 2010, co-workers honored her with a Spirit Award, equivalent to employee of the year.
She also was named to the Windy City Times' 30 Under 30 list in 2007 for her work with the health center.
Edwards said Santiago was a big Sugarland fan. She passed on opportunities to speak and participate in Northalsted Market Days, a two-day annual street fair in Chicago that attracts about 100,000 people and promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture.
Santiago, 29, died Saturday night when strong winds toppled the stage at the fairgrounds. Brennon remains in critical condition at Wishard Memorial Hospital.
The trip was rare time away from work for Santiago, a manager at the Community Care Project at Howard Brown Health Center in Chicago.
"The sudden and devastating loss of Christina has left the entire community, including her Howard Brown Health Center family, heartbroken," said Jamal M. Edwards, president and chief executive of the center. "Christina was an amazing woman -- one of our very brightest stars -- who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of women."
Santiago and Brennon had been partners for more than two years.
Santiago's work to expand the center's women's health services division earned her recognition. In 2010, co-workers honored her with a Spirit Award, equivalent to employee of the year.
She also was named to the Windy City Times' 30 Under 30 list in 2007 for her work with the health center.
Edwards said Santiago was a big Sugarland fan. She passed on opportunities to speak and participate in Northalsted Market Days, a two-day annual street fair in Chicago that attracts about 100,000 people and promotes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender culture.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sugarland Tweets About Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse
- The stage collapses at the Indiana State Fair August 13, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The stage fell just before country duo Sugarland were scheduled to perform.
Saturday evening at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis, shortly before Sugarland (singer–songwriters Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush) had been set to begin its set, a stage collapsed, sending steel scaffolding into the crowd below and reportedly killing at least five people and injuring dozens more.
Sugarland tweeted this after the tragedy: “We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you’ll join us. They need your strength.”
Here’s what other musicians and country stars are saying about the deadly accident.
Blake Shelton: “My prayers to the people at the Sugarland concert in Indianapolis…. Absolutely shocking and hard to comprehend… Beyond belief…”
Kelly Clarkson: “Just saw video footage of the stage collapsing at Sugarland’s show in Indiana. Oh my gosh that is maybe one of scariest things I’ve ever seen. I pray everybody on their crew and the band is okay.”
Sara Bareilles (who had opened for Sugarland before stage collapsed): “I’m speechless and feel so helpless. Please send love and prayers to Indianapolis tonight. My heart aches for the lives lost. #indyiloveu.”
Playboy playmate Christina Santiago killed at Indiana State Fair?
The fair is closed today, and activities are scheduled to resume on Monday. No information on what events might be cancelled at the Hoosier Lottery Grandstand including the Janet Jackson or Train concerts scheduled for latter this week.
The victims were identified as Tammy Vandam, 42, of Wanatah; Glenn Goodrich, 49, of Indianapolis; Alina Bigjohny, 23, of Fort Wayne; Christina Santiago, 29, of Chicago; and Nathan Byrd, 51, of Indianapolis, who died early Sunday at Methodist Hospital.
Christina L. Santiago (born October 15, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois) of Puerto Rican descent, is an American model and actress. She was one of three finalists of the Fox TV special Who Wants to Be a Playboy Centerfold? and was chosen as Playboy‘s Playmate of the Month in August, 2002. She then became Playmate of the Year in 2003.
Strong storm collapses Indiana stage, killing 4 By CLIFF BRUNT
The collapse came moments after an announcer warned of the advancing storm and gave instructions on what to do in event of an evacuation. Witnesses said a wall of dirt, dust and rain blew up quickly like a dust bowl and a burst of high wind toppled the rigging. People ran, screaming and shouting, desperate to get out of the way.
Afterward, hundreds of concert-goers rushed amid the chaos to tend to the injured, many trying to lift heavy beams, lights and other equipment that blew onto the crowd. Witnesses said many of the injured were in the VIP section closest to the stage, known as the "Sugar Pit." Emergency crews set up a triage center in a tunnel below the grandstand at the Indianapolis fairgrounds.
At least 44 people were injured and treated at hospitals. Indiana State Police 1st Sgt. Dave Bursten said the injuries ranged from cuts and scrapes to "very serious injuries," and it was a "very likely possibility" that the death toll could mount.At least 18 people were taken to Wishard Memorial Hospital with problems ranging from head injuries and bone fractures to lacerations and other cuts and bruises, hospital spokesman Todd Harper said. He said those injuries were not life-threatening and conditions ranged from fair to critical. One person treated there was a 7-year-old child, he said, but didn't elaborate further.
Indiana University Health said Sunday that 26 people were treated at its hospitals, including three at its children's hospital. It said 16 were brought from the fair by ambulance, and all but one of those patients remained hospitalized.
Fair officials canceled all activities Sunday. The fair, which runs through Aug. 21, was expected to resume Monday with a service honoring the victims, Bursten said.
The Iowa State Fair announced Sugarland and opening act Sara Bareilles had canceled their Sunday show there.
Emergency personnel and fair officials had been monitoring the weather and preparations were being made to evacuate the facility because a severe storm was expected in the area around 9:15 p.m., Bursten said. But the storm hit just before 9 p.m., and a "significant gust of wind" struck the stage rigging that holds lights and other equipment before the evacuation plan was activated, he said.
"As we all know, weather can change in a very rapid period of time," he said.
Concert-goers said Bareilles had finished performing and the crowd was waiting for Sugarland to take the stage. They said an announcer alerted them that severe weather was possible and gave instructions on what to do if an evacuation was necessary. But the same announcer said concert organizers hoped the show would go on, and many fans stayed put.
The wind that toppled the rigging came just minutes after that announcement, fans said.
"It was like it was in slow motion," concert-goer Amy Weathers told the Indianapolis Star. "You couldn't believe it was actually happening."
Associated Press photographer Darron Cummings was in the audience shortly before the collapse. He said he and his companions sought shelter in a nearby barn after seeing dark clouds approaching."Then we heard screams. We heard people just come running," Cummings told the AP. "When you see dark clouds like that, if there's going to be bad weather, there's going to be mass chaos on leaving."
Witnesses told WTHR that dirt, dust, rain and wind came up the main thoroughfare of the fairgrounds just before the collapse.
"Panic kicked in when they seen the dust bowl coming in from the Midway," concert-goer Darryl Cox told the television station.
Another person at the concert, Emily Davis, told the station there was lightning and the sky got dark but it wasn't raining when the wind suddenly toppled the rigging.
"It was horrible, people were running and going crazy," she said.
Jessica Alsman told the AP the towering, metal stage scaffolding "kind of wobbled at first." Then pandemonium set in as it fell.
"As soon as we saw the wind gust, the wind was in our faces," Alsman said. She and three friends grabbed each other and formed a chain.
"You can't imagine — we just thought it was going to rain or something," Alsman said.
Sugarland tweeted about the incident about an hour after it happened.
"We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you'll join us. They need your strength," the band said.
Indiana's position in the Midwest has long made it prone to volatile changes in weather. In April 2006, tornado-force winds hit Indianapolis just after thousands of people left a free outdoor concert by John Mellencamp held as part of the NCAA men's Final Four basketball tournament.
And in May 2004, a tornado touched down south of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, delaying the start of the Indianapolis 500 and forcing a nearly two-hour interruption in the race.
Fifth Person Dies, 45 Hurt In Indiana State Fair 8/14/2011
The victims were identified as Tammy Vandam, 42, of Wanatah; Glenn Goodrich, 49, of Indianapolis; Alina Bigjohny, 23, of Fort Wayne; Christina Santiago, 29, of Chicago; and Nathan Byrd, 51, of Indianapolis, who died early Sunday at Methodist Hospital.Bursten said the injuries to some victims are so severe that the death toll could rise. He did not know how many of the victims were fans and how many were crew members.The collapse happened about 8:50 p.m. as Sugarland, a country music act, was preparing to perform on the fair's main stage.The National Weather Service said winds estimated at 60 to 70 mph buffeted the stage ahead of a line of severe thunderstorms. A severe thunderstorm warning had been issued for Marion County before the collapse."What hit really wasn't a storm. It was a significant gust of wind," Bursten said.David Lindquist, a reporter for the Indianapolis Star who was there to cover the concert, told 6News that an announcement was made that weather was moving in about two minutes before the winds kicked up, but those in front of the stage had little time to get out of the weather, if they wanted to do so.
"There is an evacuation plan that is prepared. There were preparations in progress in anticipation of a severe storm arriving around 9:15," Bursten said. "Personnel were being put in place for an evacuation if that were deemed necessary."Indiana State Fair Executive Director Cindy Hoye said Sunday that the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the contractor responsible for structure, MidAmerica, and that a company engineer from Tennessee was being brought to the collapse scene.An on-site emergency center was set up at the fairgrounds immediately after the collapse. Other people at the concert converged on the collapsed stage in the immediate aftermath, trying to pull the injured from beneath the mangled wreckage.Gov. Mitch Daniels called the collapse a "freakish accident," but he praised the response as instantaneous and highly professional."Individual Hoosiers ran to the trouble, not from the trouble, by the hundreds, offering, in many cases, their own professional skills," he said, choking up.Witnesses described the scene as chaotic."After the stage fell, it was complete chaos. Everyone had froze," said Jason Scofield, who was at the concert. "There was hundreds of people trying to lift the front of the stage up."People ran to escape the collapse, but they tripped over each other as the stage came down, another witness told 6News."It was very scary, but I'm very fortunate I escaped with minor injuries," a 14-year-old victim said. "There was people underneath the stage trying to get out. The stage hit me. It was like a scene from a movie. It just happened so fast."The Indiana State Fair canceled events for Sunday and planned to reopen on Monday at 8 a.m. with a special ceremony at 9 a.m. remembering those who died and were hurt. It was not immediately known what will happen with concerts scheduled in the coming days."Our thoughts, prayers and assistance go out to the families impacted by the tragedy. We continue to be grateful for the performance of our first responders and the instant reflex of Hoosiers helping Hoosiers," said Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman, who also serves as Indiana's secretary of agriculture.Officials asked anyone worried about a loved one they haven't heard from after the stage collapse to contact the American Red Cross, which opened its headquarters on East 10th Street in Indianapolis. People trying to get in touch with loved ones can call the Red Cross at 317-684-4305. The organization said it had a list of 33 injured people as of 2:45 a.m. and was working to add others who were hurt to the list.Officials urged people who were at the concert and weren't injured to update their social media accounts, such as Facebook and Twitter, to cut down on calls to authorities from concerned friends and loved ones.Sugarland posted this message on the band's Facebook wall:"You may see on the news that our stage collapsed tonight. We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and for the people of Indianapolis," the post read. "We hope you will join us. They need your strength."Sara Bareilles, the opening act at the concert at the fairgrounds Saturday night, posted on Twitter, "I'm speechless and feel so helpless. Please send love and prayers to Indianapolis tonight. My heart aches for the lives lost #indyiloveu."Train, a rock band set to perform with Maroon 5 at the fairgrounds Thursday, posted condolences on its Twitter page: "Indianapolis, we are so sorry that you are suffering right now. We are sending all our love and good wishes. Be there soon. Hoping to help."ISP and Marion County authorities will lead an investigation of what led to the accident. Watch 6News and refresh this page for updates.
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