Deseret News | American Fork band bus crashes

Reader comments
American Fork band bus crashes

113 comments | Read story

Page:
1
2
3
Next >

Prayers | 9:08 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

This is sad. Prayers To All Injured. May God Bless The Woman's Family, And Those injured.

:(

jazzman | 9:17 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

From the Blackfoot Band Boosters, our hearts go out to the American Fork band family. Our prayers are with you. We look forward to seeing you compete in two weeks.

Rock Magleby-Lambert | 9:18 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

Our prayers in MA are with them. I knew the instructor mentioned in the article. She was a special person.

Comments continue below

chelc | 9:22 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

i go to that school! i hope they will be alright! i feel so bad about it and i want everthing to be alright!

Kimberly Stultz | 9:44 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

I am a Woodwind Player from the Madison High School Marching Band. I believe I speak for all of my fellow band mates and our Band directors, American Fork is in our hearts and prayers tonight.

HollyD | 9:49 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

We were also at the competition in Pocatello. We are praying for these talented kids and their awesome instructors. We hope they will all feel comforted at this horrible time.

Member of OHS Band | 9:52 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

American Fork is a Marching Band that we look up to, and our prayers and condolences are with the students, staff and parents.

Tad H. | 9:52 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

i go to that school!! i hope they will be alright! i feel so bad about it and i want everything to be alright!

N Rowan | 9:53 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

I used to attend this competition as part of Pocatello High School before I graduated 13 years ago. I would like to extend my condolences and prayers to the family of the lady who died, as well as all of the American Fork Band. American Fork was always a wonderful school to compete with at this competition, and I wish them all the best...

meridianHS.student | 9:56 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

I am a member of the Meridian High School Band and I saw them perform. We knew right away they were the best of the competition. Their playing was AMAZING! About 15 minutes away from our school, we received the news about the wreck and I burst into tears. Mr. Felton, our director, kept his head down for the rest of the night. I was told 24 kids are in the hospital now. American Fork, you will be in our prayers.

so very tragic | 9:58 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

i am a parent of a former lp marching band member. this has hit so close to home. our prayers are with the af families and the students who are and will be dealing with this tragedy. we are with you in spirit as this difficult time. peace be with you all.

K | 10:01 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

I feel sorry for those people on the first bus. I hope the family of the woodwinds instructor will get thru this horrible time and be happy in the future.

God Bless... | 10:09 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

To the friends and family of those affected, may God bless each of you in the coming days. This horrible accident will impact so many lives. May each of us here on this board remember to pray for these people.

Clint H. | 10:14 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

Very sad at the loss of an obviously wonderful human being who was making a difference in so many lives. What a tragedy. :( Am praying for healing of the hurting and that God would strengthen them and give them the grace to endure this.

AFHS Band Mom | 10:24 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

This isn't the first time the American Fork marching band has had to deal with tragedy. I've seen them perform with strength and amazing unity at the funerals of their fellow band members. I have no doubt they will be able to do it again and be stronger for it. This is a tender time for the band family. My prayer tonight is for all of you: the band members, leaders, and parents, but especially for the family of the young leader who died while stepping up to the plate when her help was most needed. My gratitude and heartfelt sympathy to you.

Grandparent of Am.F Band member | 10:32 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

May God bless the family of hte teacher that died and all the families with students injured. May God also comfort the other Am. F Band students helping them to heal and be strong!!

Landon hill | 10:39 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

My sister's best friend's sister was on the bus that crashed....but she is ok

AF Student | 10:44 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

To show your support, please come to the high school at midnight and greet those who are returning home safely. It would be much appreciated. Thank you!

KB | 10:44 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

May God bless and comfort those touched by this tragedy.

Wondering | 11:13 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

So sorry for the loss.
Was this a school bus or a charter bus company?

Owasso High Band Parent | 11:14 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

Last year our band traveled on four buses overnight from Owasso, OK to Las Vegas to compete in a Bands of America competition in which American Fork competed. This band was amazing and the young men/women in the band as well as their fans whom we met were excellent representatives of their school. My heart goes out to the band and all those who are affected by this tradety. May the Lord comfort and bless all.

WJHSAlumni91 | 11:18 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

AF has the most talented band every year thanks to the support from their community. My prayers are with them during this tragedy.

Janae Wilkey | 11:21 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

I'm a brass player for Madison High School Marching Band and i second what Kimberly Stultz wrote. I think my whole band knows about this because we all called each other. When American Fork stepped onto the feild, i felt the unity and power. Before they even started playing i knew they would win. Thank you American Fork for being such an amazing example for what a marching band can be, and just being amazing individuals. Be strong. You're all definitely in my prayers tonight, and plenty of others.

afjh student | 11:23 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009

to landon. i am glad ur sister's friend is ok, i have a few ward members in marching band lucky they are all ok

TOHS Band Alumni | 12:22 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about this. I only briefly saw this band at Bands Of America competitions. I pray for the family and the band to have some comfort as they deal with this tragedy. I also pray that those injured may heal quickly.

CHHS band member | 12:28 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

At 9:11 tonight my drum major texted me and all the other members of our band and told us what happened. I felt so bad. I know people who know the instructor who died and they are having a hard time with it, but things will be ok. Our prayers will be with you. I have no doubt that this will only strengthen AF marching band even more.

Chase Wilson | 12:34 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

My name is Chase Wilson. I was a student of Heather's when she was the director at Riverton High. One cannot express in words the influence that Heather had on so many of us kids. We often drove her crazy, but we knew she loved us. She taught us commitment, discipline, and of course music. We love her with all of our hearts. Her influence will live with me forever. Thank you Heather.

RIVERTON HIGH BAND ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
We will be having a vigil tomorrow (Sunday, Oct 11) night at Riverton High School - 12476 S 2700 W Riverton, UT at 7 pm. Please pass this on to all who knew Heather. We may or may not be able to get into the school, so dress warm. We will meet outside the band room.

Anonymous | 12:42 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

I just watched this band perform today at ISU...I'm praying for you all!!

Mike C band member 94 95 | 2:08 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

The instructor that died last night was my drum major. she was a leader and a friend to everyone. she would have done anything for anyone. there is no doubt that she gave her life for the kids on that bus. she is a hero for everything she did for the kids in the band and on that bus. we are all proud to have had her impact our lifes. thank you for everything. my heart reaches out to her family. thank you for giving us the gift of getting to know her. she was and will always be an amazing friend to all who knew her. till we meet again.

Anonymous | 2:24 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

Last year I was a member of the Orem High School Marching Band. We had always looked up to AF for so many reasons, and then another was added to our list: they wrote us the nicest card (signed by the entire band) to congratulate and encourage us. This was one of the most moving displays of inter-band friendship I have ever witnessed, and I know that it fits the character of members of the AF band. They are great students, musicians, and leaders. This is due, also, to the great examples of their instructors. I pray the Lord will bless everyone involved in this tragic accident. May He send His Spirit to comfort the family of the instructor who was killed, and may He bless all the students with comfort and courage as well.

Clovis West student | 2:29 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

I send my condolences to those that survived the crash and very sorry for their loss. It is an honor that my school got the chance to compete with this band last year at a BOA competition in Las Vegas last year. They are truly amazing musicians who inspire others and kind-hearted like how they cheered us on when we were playing. American Fork is a fine band and show compassion for others like how their instructor lost her life for the students. I hope to see you guys in the future.

an old musician | 2:51 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

This story hits close as I used to be in a marching band in Utah. To those that read this please pass a tip from an old musician on to the AF band students whether they march or not, use this unfortunate incident to fuel your creative drives. Within misery can come creation. Here are some suggestions on what way you can do to utilize your creative juices. Those with a marchers mind may come up with drill to use for a memorial. And those with a composers mind may want to create masterpieces to honor your late teacher. May god bless you all in this difficult time.

Utah Father in Shanghai | 3:50 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

Have been follwing this tragedy from my hotel rm in Shanghai. My heart aches. My daughter was severely injured and her teammate killed in Ricks College Debate Van accident over 13 years ago. Tragedies are tragic. I wish my tears could help

alanP | 4:00 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

Lets remember as well the bus driver and what he may be dealing with as well as his family. Keep him in our prayers also. I am a PHS graduate myself so it is close to home.

KHS Band Alumnus | 5:15 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

What a sad event. Obviously the family of the instructor who died would be hurt the most by this. But imagine what it must feel like for the band kids, at that age. I can't imagine. It's a good thing most of those kids have their families and the gospel to comfort them.

When I was in high school, American Fork's marching band was the envy of the whole state. (At Kearns, we were down almost at the other end of the scale, but we still had a good time.) If there's anything redeeming about this incident, it's that this band is so admired and respected that the thoughts and prayers of thousands are with all involved.

LindaG | 5:32 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

I'm a bandie mom in Ohio just hearing about this tragedy. Our hearts and prayers go out to the AFMB and the family of the instructor. Sad, sad day.

Another AF Band Alum | 7:06 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

Mike Heustis is right. The instructor in question would say "I'm sorry you lost someone so close. She was very special. Now let's play."

alum | 7:11 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

As an alum of AFHS, my heart breaks. THank you to the teacher.

Francesca | 7:49 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

I was a student at AF high...even though i am no longer there, i grieve with you all at the loss of our Woodwind Director. I know the power of unity within the walls of AF, and it is strong. We have gone through trials before and will get through this one as well. My heart reaches from Rome to Utah for all those who are struggling. I love you all!

Nuttley | 7:58 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

I am glad that everyone wants to continue on to the next competition in memory of the instructor,but what about the emotional well being of the children, they didn't just experience the loss of a friend they experienced an major accident. Let them recooperate for a while. If it wasn't for the competition there would be greif counselors all over the place trying to help the students.

Former band mom | 8:05 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

As a former band mom of 2 students, my thoughts and prayers are with the AFHS band and their families and the bus driver.

Cynthia | 8:31 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

My heart goes out to the parents, students, faculty and everyone involved. As a mother of a marching band student, (Viewmont), this was very close to home to me. We send many prayers and love. My daughter has decided to fast today, in behalf of the band. This has affected her very much. Please know that you have many prayers for you.

Sis in TX- x Band Mom | 8:50 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

My daughter was in the State Championship Marcus High School Band here in Texas. From one band Mom to all of you in The American Fork Band, students, teachers, and support staff, family and friends.... we are praying for you. A band is such a great example of unity. Be strong...be there for each other. There is no right or wrong way to mourn...and no time table, feel what you feel when you feel it. We are so sorry about the young woodwind instructor and pray for her family and all those who knew and loved her. Read the words of hymn # 129- Where Can I Turn for Peace.

The Rock | 9:06 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

I think that there is going to be a new marching band in heaven.

Blue Devil Drum Major | 9:39 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

I am so shocked to hear the news... I hope and pray that the healing process goes smoothly for all involved in the crash. The Blue Devils had the opportunity to stay at AF High School this summer and we were treated like royalty. What a wonderful group of students and teachers at American Fork! Please know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Maple Mountain Marching Eagles | 9:43 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

just tis last wednessday my friend was in a accident on her way to school and now this accident with american fork. i remember when i was a freshman and i saw you guys perform for the first time. you were amazing i look up to guys and you're in my prays.

JalaineK | 9:55 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

My daughter was at the competition with AF last night. She had competed with them 2 weeks ago in Utah. She said they were amazing and last night they got to meet them after the competition. This is so sad. She is so hurt by this, like she knew them already. They are an amazing group of kids and I know the instructor is credited for that--May god bless all of them with the strength to heal. From Jerome HS marching band and color guard -our prayers are with all of you.

Alum | 10:04 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

Dear old AF High. My hears and prayers are with the band, its instructors and the driver.

AF Student/ former band member | 10:09 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

this breaks my heart... I love this band with all my heart... I had a bunch of good friends on that bus... I'm just glad to know that no one was seriously hurt... though I'm still in shock about the instructor... I knew her very well and its a sad lose...

anonymous | 10:13 a.m. Oct. 11, 2009

Heartfelt prayers go to all the families involved in this situation to the teacher who passed away, the bus driver and their family who will struggle with this for many years and the students and parents.

Page:
1
2
3
Next >

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.