Started By
Message
re: 14 Years ago today, the darkest day in Aggie history
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:00 pm to EKG
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:00 pm to EKG
There is no "good" story about this tragedy.
But Texas Monthly has a heartfelt piece about it.
https://www.texasmonthly.com/story/ring-fire
But Texas Monthly has a heartfelt piece about it.
https://www.texasmonthly.com/story/ring-fire
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:06 pm to Govt Tide
Apparently when they opened him up they could barely even tell which organs were which, nothing they could do. They closed him and kept him alive long enough to see his family that flew in from Tennessee so he could say goodbye. Apparently he was positive until the end.
If you ever do make it to the campus and visit the memorial each of the pillars is for one of the 12 that died and faces their hometown. There is a plaque for each with a personal story about each. Sometimes a letter they wrote or what their friends had to say about them. It's very powerful, some really amazing people.
If you ever do make it to the campus and visit the memorial each of the pillars is for one of the 12 that died and faces their hometown. There is a plaque for each with a personal story about each. Sometimes a letter they wrote or what their friends had to say about them. It's very powerful, some really amazing people.
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:17 pm to aggressor
For an A&M fan....on page 2 there are pictures of memorials. What is the significance of the change on there? Just wondering. Thanks.
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:23 pm to MrAUTigers
That concrete disc is placed at the actual site of the '99 Bonfire centerpole--the first, central-most pole (usually two phone poles wired together) raised inside of the Bonfire stack.
Folks who visit the Memorial site leave all kinds of trinkets there--from loose change to Aggie Rings.
Folks who visit the Memorial site leave all kinds of trinkets there--from loose change to Aggie Rings.
This post was edited on 11/18/13 at 4:32 pm
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:25 pm to semotruman
A reminder of how unimportant football is in the grand scheme of things and of how family, even family who can never get along, are always there when it matters. Thanks Horns, and 'Here'.
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:26 pm to MrAUTigers
There were nearly 20 Aggie Rings on the flagpole in front of the Systems Building in the days following the collapse.
They were given to those 12 because they were unable to earn their own.
Not a single ring was taken in theft.
They were given to those 12 because they were unable to earn their own.
Not a single ring was taken in theft.
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:30 pm to aggressor
Can't believe it's been 14 years. One of the victims was a freshman from my high school, my freshman year at Memphis. IIRC.
I didn't know him, but still hit a little close to home.
I didn't know him, but still hit a little close to home.
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:31 pm to Jobu93
quote:
EKG
Thanks.
quote:
There were nearly 20 Aggie Rings on the flagpole in front of the Systems Building in the days following the collapse.
They were given to those 12 because they were unable to earn their own.
Not a single ring was taken in theft.
In this day and age, that is beyond impressive!
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:33 pm to MrAUTigers
quote:
In this day and age, that is beyond impressive!
Welcome to Aggieland!
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:38 pm to MrAUTigers
quote:
For an A&M fan....on page 2 there are pictures of memorials. What is the significance of the change on there? Just wondering. Thanks
Looking the the placement of the change, it looks like people may have left a coin in the direction of where they're from as there are very few in the western part of the pole. The notches in the center pole point in the direction of the fallen students' hometowns.
Posted on 11/18/13 at 4:57 pm to EKG
Ok, that did it. Prayers to the families of those that died in this tragic event.
Posted on 11/18/13 at 5:15 pm to CGSC Lobotomy
quote:
Not only that, the 12th student who died, Tim Kerlee, was the one in the defining photograph that was visibly broken under the pile and was directing rescue workers to people who were more greviously injured as opposed to himself...then died of his injuries later.
I saw the original story over on TA.
Wow.
All the more reason why A&M is my favorite school (outside of my alma mater UT-Arlington). I so want to visit the campus someday.
This post was edited on 11/18/13 at 5:16 pm
Posted on 11/18/13 at 5:28 pm to aggressor
quote:
Kid was 17 years old and was an academic Sophomore. Came to A&M from Tennessee in spite of having no ties to A&M because he had heard of the Corps and Bonfire. He was fanatical in his love for A&M even though he had only been there 3 months. Spent his last moments thanking the Drs for doing all they could and saying he was happy to go on to a better place.
Some amazing kids died that day.
Wooooo... Tears in the eyes.
Thanks for posting.
Posted on 11/18/13 at 5:41 pm to CGSC Lobotomy
quote:
Not only that, the 12th student who died, Tim Kerlee, was the one in the defining photograph that was visibly broken under the pile and was directing rescue workers to people who were more greviously injured as opposed to himself...then died of his injuries later.
This kid went to my high school and was a freshmen when I was a senior. That was such a tragic day, and I hurt for y'all.
Posted on 11/18/13 at 5:48 pm to Mizz-SEC
If you are inspired to do so, here is the best documentary on the event (it's an hour). Essentially it is a "30 for 30" on it called "The Burning Desire".
The Burning Desire
The Burning Desire
Posted on 11/18/13 at 5:51 pm to UMTigerRebel
Tim Kerlee was an Eagle Scout and was actually awarded the Medal of Merit (Highest honor in Scouting) posthumously for his actions.
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News