Car accident takes a life tonight!
Dave Schaafsma
Santa Clara Vanguard drum line were involved in a serious car accident
tonight while drive home to visit their family. Art and Ray Velarde,
twin brothers from Chino, Ca., were in a car that was destroyed in the
accident. Art was apparently killed on impact and Ray has been taken to
a local Santa Clara hospital and is in ICU with serious burns to a large
portion of his body. I did not hear if anyone else was in the car with
them. Art played number 5 bass drum last year and I believe was on
number 1 or 2 bass this year. Ray was in the snare line last year as
well as this year. Before they were members of the Vanguard, they
marched for 5 years in The Sound Machine of the Inland Empire Youth
Band. It made my heart sink when I was told the news about a half hour
ago. I have known these young men since they were 13 years old and
spent many hours talking to them about life as I drove them home from
rehearsals. My prayers go out to the Velarde family in this time of
tragedy. My wishes will be for Ray's speedy recovery and my thoughts on
memories of Art. This was to be their age out year. Please keep them
in your thoughts....
--
David Schaafsma, Director
The Sound Machine of the Inland Empire
http://www.soundmachine.org
Roger A. Exposito
years ago, our organization experienced such a tragedy where Jaime Lynn
Vega was killed in a car accident and another member, Brian Roberto was
to continue life, but in a wheel chair. It will be a very difficult
time for all of their friends and people involved but, realize the
importance of being there for the families.......This will be a very
long year for everyone. God Bless and be with the families, friends and
Corps members
MAV wrote:
> It is indeed a sorrowful morning.
>
> As a follow-up, it seems Ray has
> burns on approx. 12% of his upper
> body, but should make a recovery.
>
> Last night's news had little info
> but this morning's San Jose Mercury
> News said the following:
>
> "Man Killed in Gilroy Collision"
> A head-on accident Wed involving
> two cars and a big rig on Highway
> 101 north of Gilroy left a man dead
> and six people injured bringing the
> number of people killed in crossover
> incidents on that freeway section
> to eight since December.
>
> The man was pronounced dead at the
> scene. Two helicopter ambulances
> were summoned to take four people to
> Valley Medical Center [this is about
> four blocks from my house.] One person
> was treated and released and the other
> three were in serious condition. Their
> identities were not immediately available.
>
> The other two injured were taken by ground
> ambulances to San Jose Medical Center
> where they were reported in fair condition.
>
> The 6:18 PM accident occurred just south
> of Masten Ave. when a northbound vehicle
> carrying five people lost control and hit
> a south-bound car (Ray & Art) and a big-rig
> hauling two flat beds. A man (Art) in the
> southbound car was killed.
>
> A grass fire erupted on the west shoulder,
> endagering the injured who were still in
> the cars. The driver of the big rig was not
> hurt.
>
> But state firefighters - based at a station
> just YARDS away - quickly put out the fire.
>
> The accident occurred on a 15 mile stretch
> of freeway [dubbed on the television report
> last night as "Death Alley"] from North
> Morgan Hill to Gilroy that has become infamous
> for accidents in which vehicles cross the
> unprotected median and slam into oncoming
> traffic. One of the worst accidents occurred
> this past Dec. 28 in Morgan Hill, killing
> four Monterey County teenagers.
> ---------
> Also in last night's report, they indicated
> that construction on a barrier, which would
> have prevented the accident, is scheduled to
> begin in two weeks with its finish in August.
>
> Please keep your prayers and thoughts not only
> for Art, Ray, and their family, but for the
> organization which will have to heal from
> this tragedy. I was at the hospital with the
> SCV kids late last night and we have all lost a
> part of our family.
>
> Blessings, hugs, and our love to all involved.
> If I may borrow a phrase from our Madison
> brothers... 'you'll never walk alone'.
>
> MAV
--
Roger A. Exposito
Director
Phoenix Jr. Drum & Bugle Corps
Jackson, NJ 08527
Sinagra1
Was this the accident that happened in/near Morgan Hill?
My heart goes out to the Velarde family, and to SCV.
Donna
SCV Alum
AFBoy18MA
my deepest prayers goes out to ART....Yours truely John
JackiFL
>twin brothers from Chino, Ca., were in a car that was destroyed in the
>accident. Art was apparently killed on impact and Ray has been taken to
>a local Santa Clara hospital and is in ICU with serious burns to a large
>portion of his body.
My prayers with Ray for recovery and with Art for peace. May their families
know how much we all care...
Jacki
Brentm3805
scout...@my-deja.com
go out to the Velarde family and to the Santa Clara Vanguard organization.
May You Never Walk Alone,
Andy Smith
--== Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ ==--
---Share what you know. Learn what you don't.---
Jjg5150
Vkdm8687
with you, the Velarde family, and the SCV organization....what a horrible
horrible loss!!
If you talk to the Velarde's let them know that a bunch of us out here in cyber
drum corps world are thinking about them...
Ryan H. Turner--Man w/NOOO life whatsover!
MARCHING BAND, D&B CORPS, WINTER GUARD FAN!!
Former Velvet Knight DM 1986 and 1987
Show Design Consultant/Visual Consultant
911/Fire Dept Communications Dispatcher...and a partridge in a pear tree!!!
Sambuca312
Vanguard.
bhsdl
This is a terrible tragedy we all wish never occurred.
APC
bh...@yahoo.com
The Percussion Parking Lot
http://home.maine.rr.com/bhsdl
Madison423
------------------------------------------------
Matthew Smith
Madison Scouts 98-99
May You Never Walk Alone
Jet Pi9949
that has been played out on many fields by many corps. We hope you have a
great season and wish you all the best. Terry Doran Racine Kilties
Terry Doran
Geoff Jones
Geoff
Dave Schaafsma wrote:
> Sad news from Santa Clara tonight...... At least two members of the
> Santa Clara Vanguard drum line were involved in a serious car accident
> tonight while drive home to visit their family. Art and Ray Velarde,
> twin brothers from Chino, Ca., were in a car that was destroyed in the
> accident. Art was apparently killed on impact and Ray has been taken to
> a local Santa Clara hospital and is in ICU with serious burns to a large
JackiFL
Perhaps someone with their corps could let us know if there is insurance for
hospital and/or funeral costs? If all that is taken care of, perhaps a
scholarship fund could be started so some other kids would be able to amrch
drum corp, in their names???
Miss Jacki
James C. Nevermann
--
Jim Nevermann
MAV
Jason Lowe
My prayers (as well as the Americanos family's) are with the SCV and
the families within.
Jason Lowe
Americanos '99
Frank Schoenbach
fraternity
Jason Lowe
Sorry, didn't mean to post twice. (now 3 times) heh
JCSeymour
My heart goes out to the family members.
I almost experienced the same tragedy ,just yesterday I received a call from
my son saying my 17 year old daughter was in a pretty bad car accident.
Luckily she escaped with minor injuries. They said had it not been for the
air bag and seat belt she would not be here today.
JCSEYMOUR
KahunaPTE
I first met these two back in 1994, when I marched with them in the Sound
Machine (from 1994-1996). They were always incredible percussionists, and hard
workers. I recall being proud for all the Sound Machine members in SCV.
I last saw Art in March when I was on Spring Break. We had a good talk at the
Office Max where he worked (on the corner of Kiely and El Camino). We talked
about how a couple of rotors in his back became shifted because he marched the
bottom Bass last year, but it still didn't stop him.
His life was Corps, and his brother's as well. I will do ANYTHING to help Ray
in this time. He was a friend, and will be definetely missed.
Todd Oliver
92-93- Spirit of Sunnyvale
94-96- Sound Machine
97-Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps
JMSTEINY
I find it difficult to be writing this , as I've known both Art and Ray for a
number of years now.......I've watched them grow up from boys to solid young
men. I had the pleasure of teaching them at their high school (Chino H.S.),
and in the Sound Machine marching youth band, and watched with MUCH pride as
they moved up to NorCal and excelled in SCV. Their parents are some of the
MOST supportive you'll EVER meet, they were always at all of the shows to
support their sons. From the West Coast Sound drum corps, our thoughts and
prayers are with the Velarde family in this VERY difficult time, to Ray -
recover quickly, looking forward to giving you a big hug when I see you again,
and to ART - you were taken from us MUCH sooner then we would have liked, but
now you're doing God's work, and knowing you, God will be just as pleased as we
were. And to the REST of us - let us NOT forget how fragile life really is.
GET OUT THERE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE - these young men did (Ray still will, I'm
sure), and our lives are richer because of it.
Jon Steinwinder
Brass caption head/Asst. Director
West Coast Sound
SKYE9299
sympothies to the Velarde family as well as the entire Santa Clara Vanguard
organization on their tragic lose.
Janis "LittleQuinn"
New York Skyliners
Color Guard
1992 ~ ????
The Conquistadors
since '94, when I started teaching at the Sound Machine Youth Band. I
remember just last summer, the great feeling I got when they told me how
much they appreciated my help in getting them ready for the challenge of
making the line at the Vanguard. These two lived to drum. They worked to
drum. I remember Art on the field with crutches playing bass less than a
week after having appendicitis and having his appendix removed, and Ray
playing snare the same day a firecracker went off in his hand. I have never
seen someone so committed to the activity as these two were.
I loved Art like a brother and will sadly miss him, and think of him
often as I approach fields and rehearsals. I hope that Ray recovers fully
and can go on to play once again. These two were the happiest they had been
in their life, having succeeded in marching a top 12 drum corps, and
especially winning High Percussion last year. I know SCV will miss their
presence.
I also want to wish the best for their family and friends. Francis,
Bummer, Shelly, Eric, and others are all thinking of these two and I hope
that all their prayers give Ray strength.
To the members of the Vanguard...It will be hard to see Art go, and Ray
not be able to march for quite a while. Just remember as you look at their
spots in rehearsal and on the field, they lived for drumming, they lived for
the Vanguard, and will respect you for being strong and continuing on with
your goals. I wish the Vanguard family the best in getting overcoming this
tragedy.
Tim McElearney
Director
The Conquistadors Senior Drum & Bugle Corps
www.conquistadors.org
HFMoon
Richard, Euph
<*>
Don't sweat the petty things--and don't pet the sweaty things
BRUCE MORRELL
as the Santa Clara Vanguard family on the behalf of the Chieftains
Senior Corps. When I sat here reading this most horrid story, I began
to cry, not because I know the guys, but because no matter what corps
you are from, we are all a family because we love, support, march, and
teach this sport called drum corps. Life is here to teach us a lesson,
and may the corps and the corps' family, the Velarde family, and drum
corps as a whole learn from this lesson, that life is what we make of
it. And making your life worth something is the best medicine for
living your life
Rebecca L. Morrell
Chieftains Color Guard Instructor
BRTHRLopes
explanation why.
I have know Art since 4th grade and Ray since 7th grade. I have gone
through lots with Art and Ray. I had the opportunity to march with Art and Ray
in Youth Band, Jr. High, High School and The Santa Clara Vanguard. I grew up
with both twins every summer since 93 and it is VERY hard to comprehend the
fact that Art is not with us anymore. My friend and a brother to me.... I
will miss him very much and cherish the times we had together through thick and
thin, bad times and happy times. It makes me overwhelmed with happiness that
he had the opportunity to march in SCV along with his brother Ray. And I
myself am glad that I had the opportunity to march with him for 7 years.
To Ray
BRTHRLopes
All of us down in chino are awaiting your full recovery.
Art- You will be greatly missed by all... Having the opportunity to march
with you for all these years was great! You were like a brother to me.
Everyone in Chino will not forget you. God Bless...
Garret Lopez
SCV 97-99
Dave & Susan Ratliff
horrible thing to happen.
Dave Ratliff
1998 Phantom Regiment Staff
1993 Cavaliers Pit
1991 Cavaliers Bass Drum
1987 Boston Crusaders Pit
PearlSam16
Sam Saunders
Cadets of Bergen County
ScvRoach42
>Sad news from Santa Clara tonight...... At least two members of the
>Santa Clara Vanguard drum line were involved in a serious car accident
>tonight while drive home to visit their family. Art and Ray Velarde,
>twin brothers from Chino, Ca., were in a car that was destroyed in the
>accident.
To Ray,
Know that in this terrible time, the hearts of your SCV brothers and sisters
(past as well as present) are with you and your family. Get well soon.
To Art,
We never understand why people are taken from us when they are, but I know that
wherever you are, when our beloved corps takes the field, you will be with
them, and watching with a smile. Rest in peace, little brother.
Dave Leon
SCV Alumnus
KEltman25
the Velarde and Santa Clara Families.
May the spirit of Art Velarde live on in each member of SCV and as you take the
field, remember, he'll be watching over you. So, keep your heads held high and
persevere.
Kay Eltman
Co-Captain
Hawthorne Caballeros Colorguard
Notabando
Prlucy8567
Velarde family our deepest sympathy on their unimaginable loss. I, as a
parent, can't even begin to fathom what they must feel. My regrets also go to
Ray. This is you twin! What a loss you must feel! Our prayers are with you
for recovery, but most of all for peace. May The Lord bless you in this hour
of need.
Linda Haventh-Duke
Buckeye State Caballaros CG 81 - 82
Glassmen CG 83 - 84
Phantom Regiment CG 85 - 87
Bayou City Blues CG 99 -
DOO53
organization.
God Bless.
Ken Frank
90/91 NY Skyliners
Tim Foley
When I first heard the sad news, I couldn't believe what I was
hearing. It's one of those things that you hear, but don't react to for
a long time. I heard it yesterday, and as I was at my job at Cisco
Systems today, I could not shake it from my head. I know what it means
to lose those you love. In the past four years, I have lost my
grandmother, and two nephews. And myself being a twin, I know what he
must be going through.
I have said many times in the wake of what has happened to me in
these last few years that the lord has a reason for everything that
happens. And that nobody dies for no reason. And even as we absorb this
information we must be reminded of how fragile life really is. You can
be here one minute, and gone the next. There is no promise of tomorrow.
Therefore you must live your life to the fullest no matter what you do.
I brought this tragedy up this morning to my co-workers. I told them how
much drum corps can change someone life for the better, and how the
sense of family never goes away.
My deepest sympathies go out to all who mourn the loss of this
talented and exceptional individual. Let us also pray for the family and
friends. And last but not least,may God bless Drum Corps for giving so
many young people of this world the most rewarding experience ever.
Tim Foley
be...@dwp.net
"What side RU on?"
Spencer Jepson
The hearts of everyone who has ever worn the SCV uniform go out to the
Velarde family. I never met either Art or Ray Velarde, but they were my
brothers, and I will miss them. It's never easy to lose someone, especially
someone so young. I hope that at Pacific Procession this year, the corps
dedicates a performance of 'Send in the Clowns' to the memory of Art
Velarde. Rest in Peace, little brother.
Spencer Jepson
SCV Alumni
Donluvbucs
the same age as this young man. By the end of the season some of them seem like
my own children. Those who have been here for a few years, even more so. I
love them that much. The thought of losing anyone so tragically is mind
numbing. Especially someone so young. To the Velarde and Santa Clara family we
offer our deepest, heartfelt sympathy.
Donnie Solinger
Reading Buccaneers
Corps Historian
Souvie Table Mgr.
"The credit belongs to the man who is in the arena ..... if he fails, at least
he fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold
and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat"......T. Roosevelt
WGIna 623
involved...my deepest sympathy and best of luck goes out to the family of Art
and Ray...yours truely...Gina
LoraBear8
was wrong...he is in the Vanguard drum line...He was also at the hospital along
w/ the rest of the drum line. My bro later told us that Art will be buried in
his SCV uniform, and the horn line is going to play "send in the clowns," their
victory song at his funeral...I knew the name but I couldnt remember his
face...I remember talking to him and thinking it was so cool that he goes to
Chino HS b/c i used to live in Chino. My heart goes out to the Velardi family
and the SCV family...they will be in everyone's thoughts. Thanks for your time.
~Lora~
((no drum corps experience YET))
Asylum Winterguard
JNye
Dave Schaafsma
California. I was with him last night and had a chance to talk to him a
little. He was fading in and out because he is on morphine for the pain.
Lots of his local SoCal friends will be looking in on him today and
tomorrow. The back of his hands and his forearms are very tender and may
require skin grafts. They have already harvested skin from Art just in case
they will need it. His face looks worse than it actually is, and it should
heal with few problems.
Art's parents will be making arrangements for his memorial service on Monday
since they have been so busy taking care of Ray and traveling up and down
the coast. I will pass along that info as soon as I get it.
I have added a couple of tribute photos for Art and Ray on the Sound
Machine's website if you want to view them at the URL below. Check the
Vanguard's website, http://www.scvanguard.org/artv.html, for info on
donating to a memorial fund in Art's name.
--
David Schaafsma, Director
The Sound Machine of the Inland Empire
http://www.soundmachine.org
JackiFL
Thank you for keeping us updated. Art and Ray and SCV are never far from our
thoughts...
troo...@my-deja.com
our deepest, heartfelt sympathy.
Troopers Drum & Bugle corps
Casper, Wy
Honor ~ Loyalty ~ Dedication
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