Perilous
Times
6th death from Indiana State Fair accident
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A 22-year-old college student became the sixth
person to die from injuries suffered when a stage collapsed at the
Indiana State Fair last weekend, family members said Friday.
Investigators examine the stage that collapsed on Saturday at the
Indiana State Fair.
Along with several people who died immediately, at least four
dozen were injured when a strong wind gust toppled the metal
scaffolding holding lights and other equipment and sent it
plunging into fans awaiting a concert by the country duo
Sugarland.
The Star Press first reported Jennifer Haskell died Friday morning
at a hospital in Indianapolis. Her uncle, Mike Whited, announced
her death in a statement Friday.
"After a long courageous battle, Jenny Haskell died at 8:15 this
morning from her injuries sustained from the tragedy at the State
Fair," the statement said. "Jenny's family would like to thank
everyone for their support and prayers during this difficult time.
Continued support and prayers from the remaining victims would be
greatly appreciated."
Haskell was entering her senior year at Ball State University in
Muncie, where she was studying sports medicine. She had planned on
becoming an athletic trainer, Whited said. She had played softball
and basketball at Monroe Central High School in Parker City, about
70 miles northeast of Indianapolis.
State Fair spokesman Andy Klotz told WTHR-TV the fair expresses
"its deepest sympathies to her family."
Four people died immediately when the stage collapsed Saturday.
Among them was Haskell's best friend, 23-year-old Alina Bigjohny
of Fort Wayne, who had been hired to teach English at a middle
school in Muncie. The others were Christina Santiago, 29, of
Chicago; Tammy Vandam, 42, of Wanatah; and Glenn Goodrich, 49, of
Indianapolis.
A fifth victim, Nathan Byrd, 51, of Indianapolis, a stagehand who
was atop the rigging when it fell, died overnight following the
accident.