Wichita State University, its flags hanging at half-staff, was a silent, shocked community after word was received that 29 people, including 13 of WSU’s top football players, had been killed when their plane crashed into a Colorado mountainside. The plane was one of two traveling to a scheduled game at Utah State; the other plane had arrived safely. The game had been called off and the remainder of the season was expected to be canceled. Among those presumed dead were the athletic director, the head football coach, Kansas State Rep. Ray King and Wichita banker John Grooms and their wives, and some of the top players, who had been traveling with the head coach as tradition decreed. Wichita mayor Price Woodard called it the most tragic day in his city’s history, and Gov. Robert Docking, saying it was a great tragedy for Kansas, ordered the state’s flags to be flown at half-staff and the Air National Guard plane made available for survivors and relatives.
Archive for Sunday, October 3, 2010
40 years ago: Wichita State University mourns loss of 29 in plane crash
- Will of the people May 21, 2013 · 28 comments
- 100 years ago: 'The vulturous Kaw triumped' over Billie Bob Atkinson May 23, 2013 · 3 comments
- Republican tax plans would increase state revenue, analyses say May 22, 2013 · 18 comments
- Two men face charges in Sunday morning shooting May 22, 2013 · 11 comments
- Sound Off: Water fountains May 22, 2013 · 5 comments
- Weekday graduations get mixed reviews from parents and families May 22, 2013 · 13 comments
- House Republican leaders propose 1.5 percent cut to higher education for each of next two fiscal years May 21, 2013 · 32 comments
- Blog: Clemson University hires KU professor to lead biology department May 22, 2013 · 3 comments
- City commissioner wants state to revoke nightclub's liquor license May 21, 2013 · 81 comments
- Blog: Plans filed for restaurant/retail on South Iowa site once proposed for Olive Garden May 23, 2013 · 3 comments
- No consensus on McLemore's draft position after lottery May 23, 2013
- House Republican leaders propose 1.5 percent cut to higher education for each of next two fiscal years May 21, 2013
- Hillcrest teacher honored with annual 'Bobs' Award' May 22, 2013
- Free State softball confident in championship chances at state May 23, 2013
- City commissioner wants review of city's storm shelter policies in wake of Oklahoma tornado May 22, 2013
- Opinion: Wayne Selden sizes up recruits May 21, 2013
- Free State students and parents share emotions at graduation May 22, 2013
- They said it ... about Tarik Black May 20, 2013
- 100 years ago: 'The vulturous Kaw triumped' over Billie Bob Atkinson May 23, 2013
Comments
Sarah St. John 2 years, 7 months ago
The actual death toll, I think, was 31, as two of the crash victims later died of their injuries.
grammaddy 2 years, 7 months ago
I'll never forget that day.
riverdrifter 2 years, 7 months ago
I know eactly where I was when I heard the news on WHB am radio: just east of where the former Zarco station used to be, plowing corn stubble with an eight-bottom plow. I had to stop and take a break when I heard the news. Yes, back then, corn stubble was plowed.
Commenting has been disabled for this item.