Indiana State Fair Death Toll Rises to Seven
Another victim of the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair has died, bringing the total number of deaths to seven, ABC News reports.
Meagan Toothman, 24, of Cincinnati, died at 3:30 p.m. Monday, the Indiana State Police and the Marion County Coroner's Office has told news sources. She was put into a medically induced coma following the collapse of the stage. Toothman was a cheerleading coach at a local Cincinnati high school, and was one of five residents from the Cincinnati area to receive injuries related to the stage collapse, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported before her death.
At the time of the incident, country band Sugarland was prepared to perform. Despite thunderstorms in the area, fair organizers had hoped the concert would go on. Yet, by the time inclement weather had hit the area, it became too late to evacuate the concert area, and the main concert stage had collapsed.
Four people died immediately, and more than 45 people more were injured. The death toll rose in the days after the event. Events at the Indiana State Fair were halted after the incident, and Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has called the incident a fluke accident.
Toothman underwent surgery yesterday to allow her to donate some of her organs. In a statement Monday on the family page on CaringBridge.com, Toothman's family wrote:
Last night, it became apparent that Megan is no longer with us. The decision was made to allow her to be at peace. This afternoon, she is scheduled for a surgery that will provide gifts of site, health, and life to dozens who are in need.
Funeral arrangements have not been organized at this time.
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