Indiana State Fair Death Toll Rises to 6
A family member has confirmed that Ball State University senior Jennifer Haskell has died in an Indianapolis hospital, bringing the death toll from the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair up to six.
The Star Press reports that 22-year-old Haskell's uncle, Mike Whited, announced her death in a statement Friday morning.
After a long courageous battle, Jenny Haskell died at 8:15 this morning from her injuries sustained from the tragedy at the State Fair, the statement said. Jenny's family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers during this difficult time. Continued support and prayers from the remaining victims would be greatly appreciated.
Haskell was entering her senior year at Ball State where she was studying sports medicine. She had planned to become an athletic trainer, Whited said.
State Fair spokesman Andy Klotz told WTHR-TV the fair expresses its deepest sympathies to her family.
Haskell was severely injured as a wind gust toppled the metal scaffolding holding lights and other equipment for the stage last Saturday as fans awaited a concert by the country group Sugarland.
Nearly 12,000 people were in the audience and at least 40 were injured when the scaffolding fell into the Sugarpit, a section usually occupied by Sugarland's biggest fans.
Four people died immediately when the stage collapsed. Among those was Haskell's best friend, 23-year-old Alina Bigjohny of Fort Wayne, who had been hired to teach English at a local middle school.
The other deaths were Christina Santiago, 29, Tammy Vandam, 42, and Glenn Goodrich, 49.
The fifth victim, Nathan Byrd, 51, was a stagehand on top of the rigging when it fell. He passed away late Saturday night.
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