For those of you who have been watching local and national news as of lately, then I am sure that you have heard of the tragic story of the three softball players from Dickinson State University. For those are unfamiliar with the story, I will fill you in.
On Sunday, three members of the Dickinson State University softball team, Kyrstin Gemar, 22, of San Diego; Afton Williamson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Manitoba went missing. They were reported to have called a friend requesting help and saying something about water. The friend called 911 and search began. Police searched a 30 mile radius of the cell phone tower that received that phone call, and originally thought the girls were somewhere near a lake south of Dickinson, North Dakota.
On Tuesday, the three individuals were found. "Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said the women's SUV was found resting on its wheels Tuesday in about 10 feet of water hidden by tall grass, with the doors and windows closed," according to ESPN.com. A dog was also found in the vehicle.
"Police Lt. Rod Banyai said authorities do not expect autopsy results for a week or two. The autopsies will help determine the exact cause of death and whether the women were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Authorities have said there is no indication they were. The North Dakota Highway Patrol also will examine the 1997 Jeep Cherokee to determine if the vehicle malfunctioned, Banyai said" again according to ESPN.com.
These tragic deaths were a sharp reminder to members of the Valley City State University softball team of last spring when their own Sara Gullickson went into a lake outside of Jamestown, North Dakota. Although their story had a happy ending, it was still a very difficult time that is vividly remembered.
Also, members of the VCSU team were former teammates and were still very close friends, so they are having a difficult time with this as well. Many individuals at VCSU and softball team members have sent out their condolences to the family and friends of these three individuals. There is even a Facebook page set up in remembrance of the individuals.
The truth of the matter is, we do not know what will happen the next day, hour, or even minute, so make sure that you let your loved ones know how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them, because you never know if they will be with you tomorrow.
R.I.P. Kyrstin, Afton, and Ashley
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This was such a sad and difficult story. Everyone connected with VCSU was aware of and worried for Sara when she had her accident, so I can only imagine what this situation would be like for the community of Dickinson and DSU. It really makes us realize how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away from us. I don't know what it might be, but I hope something good can come from this. Afton, Ashley, and Kyrstin will definitely not be forgotten and their families will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThis story is one of those horrible things that I find hard to believe happened in North Dakota. Three college women dying together at the bottom of a body of water is just not something you expect to see on your local news at 10 PM.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing I have to say about this news story is that I hope the media is considerate of the families and friends of these three women. I have heard the rumors from several sources about how “stargazing” must be the new term for “booze cruising,” and I just hope that the media doesn’t pick up on those and start spreading those around.
These families are going through enough right now. They don’t need to witness their daughters’ names being dragged through the mud while an investigation is pending on the cause of death.
I second your last line – RIP ladies!
Jane,
ReplyDeleteI have been following this story as it has progressed over the past week. I always thought they would find them alive. It’s just such a sad story. The situation is still so strange and there are details missing (such as how they went into the body of water) that will probably go unanswered forever. Like you said, it is a big wakeup call for everyone. We never know what’s going to happen tomorrow or even within the next hour. It’s scary to think about, but all we can do is enjoy every moment. Try to focus on the present, tell those you love that you love them often and above all just be happy. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these three girls and to all those at our school who knew them.
This is a tough subject. It is such a tragedy not only to their families but also to their team and college community. That had to be such a horrifying phone call for their parents to receive. I hope that their families and friends can eventually find peace in this tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families.
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