Deseret News | Fiery collision claims 3 Utahns

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Fiery collision claims 3 Utahns

Jeremiah Duersch | 6:50 a.m. Sept. 4, 2007

I would like to send my condolences to the Samani and Bell family. I am attached to this story in more than one way. A friend and neighbor of mine was killed in that crash. Secondly, I was one of two people first on the scene trying to save the Samaniï¿½s. I cannot express how sorry I am that I was not competent enough to get the Samaniï¿½s free. Please know, that those first on the scene wanted more than anything to save, and I am sorry we didnï¿½t. I pray Godï¿½s peace and blessing.

Jim and Linda Bollwinkel | 10:03 a.m. Sept. 4, 2007

We just had our roof replaced and Alec Bell was the working foreman. There has never been anyone work so hard to complete work on our home. In just a few days we became very good friends. This is a terrible loss for his family and friends who love him so much. We will remember him always and will forever be grateful for his honesty and good work.

Juliana Reynolds | 10:25 a.m. Sept. 4, 2007

I knew the two in the Colorado because i went to School with them both. I was very sad to hear about this incedent. I also know the girls parents. Both Trichelle and Ettikeni are special spirits that will both be truely missed. We wil always love you Trichelle and Eti.

Comments continue below

Sharlene | 10:58 a.m. Sept. 4, 2007

I feel so sorry for the parents and family of these people. I pray for them all.

Kia | 2:46 p.m. Sept. 4, 2007

Jeremiah Duersch:

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your efforts. Years ago, I was involved in an eerily similar fiery crash, and a passer-by risked his life to pull me from the wreck, much as you risked yours. I am so sorry that you were not able to save these people, but please be assured that your efforts were just as heroic none-the-less. Thank you for your obviously boundless compassion for other people.

Anonymous | 2:53 p.m. Sept. 4, 2007

i am sorry for your loss and your sorrow i hope that all goes well for the family. i will pray for you

A Friend | 2:19 p.m. Sept. 5, 2007

I send my love to the Bell Family for there loss and to the other family as well. Alec will never be forgotten ,He was a good friend,father, and husband. Shelly you and your children are in my prayers.

Anonymous | 8:20 p.m. Sept. 5, 2007

Much Ofas to the Samani family. May the Lord bless and comfort you all in this time of loss. Numa and Eti are both watching over you all.

OFA LAHI ATU!

Anonymous | 7:33 p.m. Sept. 6, 2007

I knew many of the family members personally and i am sorry for your loss. God Bless.

aaron harr | 4:00 p.m. Sept. 13, 2007

i worked with alec and i just have to say that he was one of the hardest working men i have ever worked with him and my heart goes out to his familly im so sorry this happened.

mate he 'ofa atu | 1:27 a.m. Dec. 15, 2007

I feel bad for not there for the family.please accept my apology and I do miss one of my brothers 'Etikeni.I am too far away but i know what you guys are going through.little advice to everyone.EVERYDAY, MAKE IT AS YOUR LAST DAY ON EARTH,TELL EVERYONE THAT YOU LOVE EACH ONE AND HUG THEM.STOP BEING MEAN TO ANYBODY BEFORE YOU REGET IT LATER.BE HAPPY ALL THE TIME AND BE GOOD BECAUSE THERE'S SOMEONE OUTTHERE WHO IS WATCHING OVER US.STAY CLOSE TO ALL YOUR LOVE ONES ESPECIALLY YOUR MOM AND DAD, SISTERS AND BROTHERS.
TO ALL THE SAMANI FAMILY, I OWE YOU SO MUCH AND I CAN'T REPAY YOU BACK.I OWE 'ETIKENI MY LIFE BECAUSE HE STOOD BY ME ALL THE TIME, HE IS THE BROTHER THAT I HAVE LOST AND I REGRET IT NOW.I WISH THAT ONE DAY I CAN DO A SMALL THING THAT MIGHT EASE YOUR PAIN.
I LOVE YOU TALITE AND TAUOLA AND THE REST OF THE KIDS ESPECIALLY MY LITTLE SISTER TALANOA.

'OFA LAHI ATU,
.............LIMA.

talanoa samani | 11:57 a.m. Feb. 19, 2008

i just want to thank my heavenly father for all the blessings he has blessed me with, especially with all the years i got to spend with etikeni and trichelle..as you all know i am etis little sister and i loved this brother and his wife to death, i hope someday i will be able to return and live with them someday....thanks to all of you who helped my family get through everything with your love and support...ofa lahi atu eti and trichelle!!..im gonna miss your smiles and being with you!....love alwayz...talanoa samani

malia 'olie | 5:48 p.m. May 6, 2008

i wish to thank my heavenly father for da blessing he has blessed each and everyone of us so dat i may have dis opportunity to have a comment to show ma love to ma cuz 'Etikeni n his wife Trichelle, i feel bad coz we just meet only twice since we were born and actually we have no time to talk,play n fun but i hope someday we will meetin da place where there is happiness all over,really miss ur loving face may you REST IN PEACE....much ofa lahi atu....malia 'olie(from tonga)

elenoa moala | 1:12 p.m. Nov. 16, 2009

I would like to thank heavenly father for the blessing he has blessed each and everyone of us. I loved etikeni and his wife trichelle they had been the best. I would like to say rest in peace. Love and miss you both. I am eti's first cousin. (REST IN PEACE)

(elenoa moala)

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