With so much changing so quickly, keep on top of what is happening with the Mirror's news updates by email. In March of 2020, just one month after she was discharged from the hospital, Natalie began sharing her story on her Instagram account, @NatalieSkyye. All rights reserved. I knew I was on fire so I stopped, dropped and rolled. But I dont really think about it (now). The game began with a flyover of F-16 jets, all piloted by former A&M students, in the missing man formation. And for her to survive and be here today is a true miracle.". However, the aftermath of the accident proved equally horrific as Louise suddenly realised the severity of her burns. The TAMU administration declined to accept the money and returned the checks. That is why medical academy teacher Tyann Thomson and fellow teachers decided to organize a blood drive. Please subscribe to keep reading. "[25], Detractors further blamed the school for the accident, saying that, in the name of tradition, administrators turned a blind eye to an unsafe structure being constructed with minimal engineering and safety protocols. [6] John Comstock was the last living person to be removed from the stack. People sent thousands of e-mails about the cartoon to the newspaper offices. There were reportedly dozens of. ", Sarah said Dr. Brett Hartman, medical director of Riley Hospital for Children's burn unit, told her Natalie's burns covered 96 percent of her body. Discovery Company. [18][19] The 5th U.S. [16] On May 21, 2004, US Federal Judge Samuel B. Kent dismissed all claims against the Texas A&M officials. Each morning, the mother changes the dressing that covers the burns on her daughters face and neck, examining how much the delicate skin beneath has healed. Updated Bowen formed a task force, which proposed a new design. In the early stages, many wondered if there would ever be a welcome home for her. Can severe weather cancel the Houston Rodeo? So, with the help of Jamie as some extra muscle, they moved the wardrobe into the garden and set it alight. The film details the Bonfire collapse, follows the survivors and honors those who died. Natalie and her friends had feasted on traditional Thanksgiving sides before deciding to light up a cozy bonfire. Copyright 2019 WAFF. 93 Monday marks 14 years since the tragic collapse of the Aggie Bonfire that claimed 12 lives and injured 27 others on the Texas A&M University campus. A Carmel Fire Department engine led the parade of more than 50 vehicles Wednesday through a Noblesville neighborhood to escort 12-year-old Natalie Zofkie home from the hospital. But I pulled through.". Comstock returned to A&M in 2001 to finish his degree. "You go from high to low, almost angry to sad.". 2023 Cable News Network. A Carmel Fire Department engine led the parade of more than 50 vehicles Wednesday through a Noblesville neighborhood to escort 12-year-old Natalie Zofkie home from the hospital. [20] In October 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the appeals court ruling. You have permission to edit this article. November 21, 2022, 7:00 am. Its painful, excruciating, she said, closing her eyes and cringing at the memory of the daily ritual. Davis went on to graduate, get married and have two children. The sixth-grade girl then stood at the sidewalk as more fire engines, police cars and vehicles driven by other supporters filed past the house. Hazel Green High School hosting blood drive to help students burned in fire, 59-year-old Florence man killed after being hit while riding bicycle, Many North Alabama residents experiencing power outages due to severe weather, Girl falls on bungee trampoline at Parkway Place Mall, At least 5 injured in fire-related incident in Hazel Green. Natalie Zofkie suffered third-degree burns that covered most of her body after pouring gas on a fire to make it bigger. "For like almost a month, everyone thought I was going to die, said Zofkie. Authorities have said one of about 25 high-school-aged students at a party poured gasoline from a 5-gallon can onto the fire; that teenager was a boy who was also severely injured in the explosion, according to law enforcement. COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KTRK) -- Hundreds gathered on the campus of Texas A &M University early Wednesday to remember the 12 people who died when Aggie Bonfire collapsed 21 years ago. The debate was rendered moot when the university discovered liability insurance for the revamped project would cost more than $2 million per year. A car accident late Friday night in Union County has left two injured and one dead. Smith and Ritchie were transported to UF Health in Gainesville with non-life threatening injuries, while the other passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. In light of her accident, Louise has retrained as a hair and make-up artist, to help burn victims feel happy with their appearance. Natalie Smith and James Boyle were burned at an outdoor fire in November. Glendale Heights police are still investigating and would not comment on the case, though they have said they dont believe the incident was malicious. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the remaining lawsuits against Texas A&M and its officials in April 2007. HAZEL GREEN, Ala. (WAFF) - Students and faculty at Hazel Green High School are going the extra mile to help their own. Get email updates with the day's biggest stories. Second- and third-degree burns cloaked her hands, neck and face, they said. Korryn Bachner , 15, hugs her dog Nina at her home in Lombard on May 18. Natalie is burned mostly on her torso and face/scalp, about 40% of her body. [16] In one of the six lawsuits, plaintiffs alleged that A&M officials violated the bonfire victims' right of due process by placing those victims in a "state-created danger" by not ensuring the bonfire's structural integrity and by allowing unqualified students to work on the stack. appreciated. A look at 2023's new garden plants, Proposed Medicare Advantage Changes Cannot Accurately Be Called Cuts, Experts Say, Women who eat fast food have worse mental health than men, new study says, New smartphone can go from 0% to 100% in less than 10 minutes, This zero-calorie sweetener has been linked to heart attack and stroke, Participating in 11 minutes of daily exercise can extend your life, study says. Nov. 18, 2019. will mark 20 years since the nearly 60-foot timber structure collapsed. She wore the dress shed selected before the fire a black off-the-shoulder top with a floral-patterned flowing skirt, with a shimmery necklace and matching bracelets adorning her neck and wrists. It was a little bit of a tough couple of months, said Zofkie. Right now, Boyle needs seven blood transfusions. In a way, Im kind of carrying their flag.. Who is moving in and out of your neighborhood? Davis was buried, pinned in a small cavity with several broken bones and a collapsed lung. The . [2], The Texas Board of Professional Engineers announced in 2000 that the Aggie Bonfire met the requirements to be considered a complex construction project subject to regulation under state engineering laws and would thus have had to be designed and overseen by a professional engineer. As many of you know Natalie Smith was in a terrible car accident resulting in some pretty serious injuries to her back and left hip. Over 16,000 mourners, including then Texas Lieutenant Governor Rick Perry, packed Reed Arena to pay tribute to those who died and those who had spent all day working to rescue the injured. Her date, a close friend and Glenbard East senior, spent the rest of the night watching movies with Korryn on her couch. According to Dr. Hartman, Natalie still faces months in the hospital and multiple surgeries. Example video title will go here for this video. She has a spirit like nobody else.". Shortly after the accident Louise was diagnosed with PTSD, which can be triggered by everyday activities including filling the car up with petrol. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 99% of her body was burned in the accident and is now on life support and in a medically induced coma. [2], A commission created by Texas A&M University discovered that a number of factors led to the bonfire collapse, including "excessive internal stresses" on the logs and "inadequate containment strength" in the wiring used to tie the logs together. The accident ended the bonfire as an annual campus tradition although students and alumni still hold the event off-campus without support from the university. Natalie, 11, had been critically burned in an accident around a fire pit at a friend's home. In total, the funds received exceeded US$250,000. Boyle and Smith remain hospitalized at Vanderbilt Hospital. And seeing her come home is one of the best things I could have ever imagined.". It absolutely reinforced in me the importance of life and the importance of relationships over everything else.. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Sophia drove overnight to be by Natalie's side. This is probably the most exciting thing I've ever done in my life. A GoFundMe was started to raise money for the hospital expenses. COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KETK) - November marks 20 years since one East Texas woman lost her life in a beloved Aggie tradition. Louise, from Radcliffe, Manchester, said: "At first I was in complete shock. "My arms went up first, but things really got serious when I slipped and drenched myself in petrol fluid. She fought a hard battle right until the end never wanting to quit because quitting was not in her nature a Facebook page for her supporters reported Friday. For information about the documentary, including showtimes and locations, click here. It is been two weeks since sophomores James Boyle and Natalie Smith were injured at an outdoor bonfire. A color guard stood at attention as the family car pulled into the driveway and Zofkie exited the backseat. She said she wanted to speak out about fire safety to warn others about how easily things can go wrong and end in tragedy. After gasoline was poured on the bonfire, the flames exploded and set both Natalie and her friend, James, on fire. "Over the years, I have been terrified of bonfire night and fireworks, but I have a grandson now, and I don't want to miss out on important parts of his childhood. [17] In 2005, 36 of the 64 original defendants, including all of the redpots, settled their portion of the case for an estimated $4.25 million, paid by their insurance companies. "I am not 100% better. Daniel Hewey, 20, died from his injuries after he was . Before the collapse, some people, such as Texas A&M engineering professor Theodore Hirsch, expressed concerns about the safety of the bonfire, citing the partial collapse that occurred in a previous bonfire, the progressively shorter bonfire burn times which had dropped from several hours to collapsing in less than 20 minutes, and numerous incidents involving alcohol or unsafe horseplay at the bonfire site. With the weather in full chill and Thanksgiving right around the corner, countless friend groups throughout the country will be planning their own holiday dinner to give thanks. Natalie Dempsey, a 21-year-old volunteer firefighter at the Mizpah Volunteer . "They went out on the deck and were out there making s'mores, and Natalie poured gas on the fire to make it bigger. They're just like waiting there. Twelve students were killed and another 27 were injured, including Bill Davis, a sophomore at the time. At the end of the service, as A&M University President Ray Bowen presented roses to the families of the dead and injured students, the crowd spontaneously stood in silence, linking arms with those standing next to them, before quietly singing "Amazing Grace". "She's been here close to a month, and she honestly hasn't batted an eye, so she's doing great.". The blood drive will be held at the school on Monday, December 16th at the high school from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A firefighter who was killed in a Christmas Day car crash while heading to an emergency call was laid to rest Sunday. "They went out on the deck and were out there making s'mores, and Natalie poured gas on the fire to make it bigger. It heals through time.. "It was less than a 30-minute drive, but it felt like we were never going to get there," Sarah said. It took over a year for her burns to heal, but the scars she has will stay with her forever, both physically and mentally. [17] The plaintiffs pointed to a $2 million liability policy the university obtained in 1996 and accidental death and dismemberment insurance policies that the university obtained for student workers as early as 1987 as proof that the administrators knew of the dangers of the bonfire. She's tolerating everything we've done to her up to this point," Sarah said. Her face was still cloaked in bandages and a knit tube dressing, with openings for her hazel eyes, nose and lips. Everybody has hung out with her, babysat her, done something.". First responders led the welcome home parade for 12-year-old Natalie Zofkie Wednesday. This flyover was donated by US Senator Phil Gramm who, as an elected official, had the title of a flyover reserved for his death and asked that the fly-over be given instead in the honor of the 12 Aggies that died. A New Hampshire mother is dealing with the death of a child for the second time after one of her sons recently died from a bonfire accident. On December 1, the newspaper sent a total of $10,000 in two checks as a peace offering to the university, with $5,000 to the Bonfire Memorial Fund and $5,000 to the Bonfire Relief Fund. Right now, Boyle needs seven blood transfusions. A color guard stood at attention as the family car pulled into the driveway and Zofkie exited the backseat. [12], On November 25, 1999, the date that the bonfire would have burned, Aggies instead held a vigil and remembrance ceremony. [26] One of the students killed in the 1999 bonfire collapse was under the legal drinking age yet a toxicology test showed high blood-alcohol levels; however, lower readings in a second test and inconsistencies in the initial sampling and annotation methods led to questions about the accuracy of the original tests.[27][17]. "Everything happened so fast from the moment I poured the petrol to the horror that came afterwards. James spent over four months in the Vanderbilt Burn Center with burns on 85. At half-time, the Texas Longhorn Band dedicated their performance to the students lost and injured in the collapse, and ended by playing "Amazing Grace" and "Taps", then removing their white hats in a show of respect as they walked off the field. "I could feel the heat quickly nearing my face, but I couldn't get my trousers off because I was wearing my partners slippers. [2], Rescue operations took over 24 hours; the pace was slowed by the decision to remove many of the logs by hand for fear that using heavy equipment to remove them would cause further collapses, resulting in further injuries to those still trapped. The total amount of funds spent by the university on all disaster-related expenses by that date was $292,000. Every day another layer comes off, which is what we need to get down to that fresh skin, which is so painful. A few seconds later, it was all said and done and I landed face down in the dirt. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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[11], The following day, the Aggies upset the Texas Longhorns, winning 2016 in the annual rivalry game. As she was at a friends house, she was involved in a bonfire accident. A 16-year-old Florida girl who was badly burned in a 2017 New Year's Eve bonfire accident has died, according to her mother. While the pair may have a long journey ahead, they won't make it alone. Zofkie reunited with friends who have prayed for months for her recovery. There were also boys at the scene who werent injured but helped put the flames out, and helped put water on everybody who feel guilty that they didnt do enough, Ellen Bachner said. I remember getting up to the second layer which is roughly 40-45 feet, Davis said. [7] By 2000 Texas A&M spent over $80,000 so students and administrators could travel to the funerals of the deceased, including $40,000 so 125 students and staff could attend a funeral in Turlock, California by way of private aircraft; most of the persons on board were students. Theres a form of survivors guilt, for sure, she said. Carmel Fire Department paramedic Arielle Morgan shared a long embrace with Zofkie as family and friends gathered outside the house when the parade concluded. "Jamie was trying to help me get them off but he was in complete shock at what was happening. Two teens badly burned in bonfire mishap. Leaving April and Michael unable to work for an unknown amount of time. I told them to go have fun for me, enjoy the night, she said in her family room, which was filled with balloons, flowers and get-well posters signed by friends. Bigger, better, tougher? As . The tradition ended after the accident. 2 teens burned in bonfire explosion reunited with medical responders Kaycee Nitta,17, is shown during the UMC Trauma Survivor's Celebration at Caesars Palace, 3570 S. Las Vegas Boulevard, on. Louise Chadwick suffered 13 severe burns on her shins, thighs, legs, feet, arms . RELATED: 12-year-old boy and his dog killed by wildfire in Oregon, RELATED: Young heroes rescue Marion man from burning home. 489 were here. Her uncle Dan told NBC 5 Thursday night she's in a medically induced coma and fighting for her life. [1], The 59-foot-high (18m) stack, consisting of about 5,000 logs, collapsed during construction. Layne Chesney was 14 years old and a star softball player when the accident happened in Fort Pierce. The collapse time is disputed. I guess the gas can had about this much left in it, and the fumes are what ignited and caused the fire," Sarah said. The gentle dabs of gauze feel like shards of glass on the 15-year-olds cheek. It is been two weeks since sophomores James Boyle and Natalie Smith were injured at an outdoor bonfire. The 2023 season brings us several firsts: the first-ever groundcover shasta daisy,called Carpet Angel; annuals like Glimmer, a shade-tolerant, CMS advanced two proposed changes that could affect Medicare Advantage plans. The sophomore had planned to wear her hair in two French braids woven into a low bun, but her short brown locks were too badly singed in the blaze and had to be cut off. Despite their efforts, Layne had third-degree burns over 95% of her body, her mother said. The university agreed to pay $2.1 million and promised that if the bonfire returned to campus that "engineering oversight" would be provided. Students, including the entire Texas A&M football team and many members of the university's Corps of Cadets, rushed to the site to assist rescue workers with the manual removal of the logs. The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band also played a tribute to the victims and, contrary to the usual tradition, marched off the field in a silent cadence. But I'm just glad to be out.". According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 25-year-old Natalie Smith was driving west on County Road 18 near Southwest 78th Place with 29-year-old Tyler Ritchie and another passenger around 11:37pm when, for unknown reasons, the 2007 Honda Accord went off road and onto the north shoulder. Glenbard East Hight School held a car wash raising proceeds for the survivors. That night, she recalled having a wonderful time. Natalie said she will home school for the rest of this semester, then plans to return to class for seventh grade in the fall. There's definitely a lot of pain and tears and it was very lonely. Both spent months in Nashville undergoing countless surgeries, including skin grafting. On Nov. 18, just after 2:40 a.m., something went terribly wrong and the structure made up of about 5,000 trees collapsed. She recently gained her industry qualifications with the help of her daughters, and can't wait to see where her new career take her in the future. The task force recommended that students be allowed to participate in building the bonfire as long as they were monitored by professional construction experts. A woman engulfed in flames for five minutes in a freak accident has spoken of her horror ahead of Bonfire Night. Natalie Zofkie, a fun and loving girl from Noblesville, Indiana, was in a tragic burn accident this past weekend. "It appears an 18-year-old boy who lived at the residence, a 16-year-old girl and another teenage couple as well, started a bonfire," Hancock Chief . People have left food for the Zofkie family now that Sarah has returned to work while Natalie is still recovering in the hospital. The gauze is applied to Korryns face almost like papier-mache, thin strips coated with a topical burn ointment. Layne Chesney was 14 years old and a star softball player when the. Authorities have said one of about 25 high-school-aged students at a party poured gasoline from a 5-gallon can onto the fire; that teenager was a boy who was also severely injured in the explosion . In 2002, Bowen announced that the bonfire was officially cancelled. Every day, I see improvements, she said. The Carmel Fire Department responded to the emergency on that fall night last October. [2] Immediately after the collapse, emergency medical technicians and trained first responders of the Texas A&M Emergency Care Team (TAMECT), a student-run volunteer service, who staffed each stage of construction, administered first aid to the victims. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Zofkies mother, Sarah Zofkie, said her daughter is not expected to require further surgery. "Having an injury like that, all of that tissue has to come off.". It just happened so fast, no one expected it, she said. Before sunrise, the accident was the subject of news reports around the world. A friend painted her nails a bright shade of pink to match the flowers on her dress, the flesh of her hands shiny and newly grown, still recovering from the burns. "He told me to call everybody because she was not going to make it," Sarah said. The purpose of this page is to keep our community well informed while supporting local businesses & events! [14] Various organizations also established funds in memory of the victims and to help with expenses incurred because of the accident. Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices, cap costs at $35 for many people with diabetes. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Korryn was released from the hospital May 10, but her injuries meant she had to miss the remainder of the school year as well as her May 12 prom at Glenbard East High School. Sarah got to Riley Hospital for Children just in time to see Natalie before doctors rushed her to emergency treatment. "I see a lot of success stories come out of Riley for us and our burn team," Dr. Hartman said. She's endured about a dozen surgeries and painful rehabilitation for her skin grafts. A website raising money for Chesney's medical costs reached more than $23,000 Thursday evening. A 16-year-old Florida girl who was badly burned in a 2017 New Years Eve bonfire accident has died, according to her mother. TAMECT alerted the University Police and University EMS, who dispatched all remaining university medics, and requested mutual aid from surrounding agencies. James ran for 3 minutes while on fire as he was attempting to strip his burning clothes. "I wouldn't wish what happened to me upon my worst enemy and I hope everyone out there stays safe this bonfire night.". [15], Parents of students injured or killed in the collapse filed lawsuits against Texas A&M officials, including President Ray Bowen, Vice President of Student Affairs J. Malon Southerland, the 1999 redpots, and the university. On Friday, a documentary called "The 13th Man, a Charlie Minn Film" will open at seven Houston-area theaters. Family says she's shaken her head "yes" and "no," waved at loved ones and reached out with her hand. Car accident in Union County leaves one dead, two injured, 'They got recalled': A health warning has been issued that links to raw shellfish in Cedar Key, Travel magazine names Devils Millhopper best waterfall in Florida. Need to get down to that fresh skin, which is so painful after the accident proved horrific! Including Bill davis, a sophomore at the Mizpah volunteer feet, davis said is recovering... James Boyle and Natalie Smith and James Boyle were burned at an outdoor bonfire circuit of! Fun and loving girl from Noblesville, Indiana, was in a way, Im kind of carrying their... Not 100 % better skin grafts at first I was in complete shock at what was happening and. 40-45 feet, davis said and the structure made up of about 5,000 logs, collapsed during.! 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