American Fork H.S. Accident

[Danpod]

If you read the conclusion of the Live Blog from BOA Arlington last week, you received some startling news involving the American Fork High School Band. Here is more information on their tragic accident:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33282136/ns/us...life/?gt1=43001

 

Saturday night, as they were coming back home from winning a contest in Idaho, the bus driver of one of the buses unexpectedly passed out behind the wheel. Heather Christensen, a woodwind instructor for the band, grabbed the steering wheel in an attempt to correct the path of the bus. The bus rolled over and crashed. The students on the bus received medical care and have been released from the hospital. Heather Christensen was the only fatality in the crash. Quite simply, her quick thinking and heroic actions kept the crash from becoming much, much worse. She sacrificed her life for the well-being of her own students.

 

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/AmericanForkHC/

 

There is an online petition, listed above, to change the name of the Music Caption Award at Grand National Finals to the Heather Christensen Music Award. This would be a tremendous honor befitting for a teacher who displayed an incredible amount of heroism Saturday night. You can list your signature as anonymous. You can leave a comment if you choose. Either way, I want this done. This is your chance to make a difference and hopefully, ease the suffering of the American Fork High School Marching Band. Let's make this happen, folks.

[GuitarJoe]

Great idea. Definitely signed.

[rpd]

I signed. Its such a sad story, but Heather Christensen is the one inspirational part of it.

[longhorn2190]

signed. I hope this happens!

[Xenon]

I have also signed.

[Martin.Tpt]

Signed. I hope this helps. I really believe that she is a hero. She was a common person doing an uncommon thing.

[BassoonPadwan]

Signed. My prayers go out to all those grieving.

 

 

 

 

Any word on what happened with the bus driver? Did he just fall asleep?

[JustAddWat3r]

Signed as well.

 

  BassoonPadwan said:

Signed. My prayers go out to all those grieving.

 

 

 

 

Any word on what happened with the bus driver? Did he just fall asleep?

 

I think they said he/she blacked out.

[bdtenor]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers for the students and staff of American Fork High School marching band. All of the students are doing well and the healing process has begun. The outpouring of sympathy from around the nation has been overwhelming. The marching band community has once again proven to be filled with extraordinary people filled with students, instructors and parents who are the greatest example of kindness. Heather was a dear friend and teacher, and her loss will not soon be forgotten.

 

Of the thirty students taken to the hospital that evening, only three had to stay in the hospital overnight. They were all released by the following Monday. The bus driver passed out and received the worst non-fatal injury. This was an accident in the truest sense of the word and we hope and pray that she will recover from the emotional and physical injuries that she received. AF will march a number of holes due to student injury this season, but we will continue to compete and hope to represent ourselves very well at the BOA Regional in St. George.

 

If you would, please take a moment to tell your friends and staff that you appreciate them, and make sure you hug your family each night when you return home from those long bus rides. Thank you once again from the bottom of our hearts. God bless you all and please travel safely this season.

 

 

Michael Huestis

Assistant Director - Percussion Specialist

American Fork H.S. Marching Band

Edited October 26, 2009 by bdtenor