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Indiana State Fair Grand Stand Stage Collapse

Indiana State Fair Commission Takes Moment of Silence

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The Indiana State Fair Commission observed a moment of silence August 13, 2012 at 8:46pm to remember the tragedy of last year’s stage collapse.

“The Indiana State Fair Commission and entire fair family thank the thousands of fair guests, victims’ families, vendors, and midway operators for joining us this evening in a unified moment of silence to honor those lost and injured on this date last year. We will always hold those impacted by last year’s tragedy in our hearts, thoughts and in the decisions we make as we move forward in the months and years ahead.” – Andre Lacy, Chairman, Indiana State Fair Commission.

PA Address to Announce the Moment of Silence:

“Today—at this moment—marks the anniversary of the tragic incident that occurred on Aug. 13, 2011. At this time, we ask that everyone please pause, remove your hats, and join the Indiana State Fair family in remembrance of those lives that were lost, and those that are forever impacted from that tragic night.

Please join us now in a moment of silence.

[PAUSE]

  1. Alina BigJohny
  2. Nathan Byrd
  3. Glenn Goodrich
  4. Jennifer Haskell
  5. Christina Santiago
  6. Meagan Toothman
  7. Tammy VanDam

And all those injured.

May these individuals, their families, and those injured, forever be in our hearts. In times of crisis, Hoosier strength resonated and we experienced heroes coming to the rescue of so many. We will forever remember 2011 as a year filled with compassion, heartbreak and an outpouring of Hoosier Spirit.”

For information on how to donate to the Indiana State Fair Remembrance Fund, visit http://www.cicf.org/state-fair-fund.

Grand Stand Stage Collapses at Indiana State Fair

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“Chairs and sand were blowing everywhere, then when I looked up, the stage just kind of swayed back and forth, then came crashing down in to the crowd.”   Indiana State Fair attendee

Around 8:55pm Saturday, at least 43 people were injured and four people died as a result of the Grand Stand Stage collapsing at the Indiana State Fair.  A wind gust estimated between 60 and 70 miles per hour blew through the infield of the Indiana State Fairgrounds just minutes before Sugarland was scheduled to take the stage.  Everyone at Naptown Buzz is praying for those in attendance at the fair and their families and is very thankful for the Hoosiers that helped other Hoosiers.

From Twitter.com–

IndyStateFair Indiana State Fair: Please stand by for more info on this tragedy. There have been four confirmed deaths. Our prayers are with the families of all affected.

Sugarlandmusic Sugarland: We are all right. We are praying for our fans, and the people of Indianapolis. We hope you’ll join us. They need your strength.

MayorBallard Mayor Greg Ballard: Thoughts and prayers are with those injured at the Indiana State Fair tonight. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates

HankFM Country 97.1 HANK FM: Praying everyone is safe at the @IndyStateFair.

VH1 VH1: BREAKING: At least three dead and dozens injured after stage collapses at Sugarland concert http://t.co/6LB4bXc

FollowCMT CMT : Thoughts and prayers go out to those who passed away and were injured after the stage collapses prior to Sugarland show: http://ow.ly/62C2u

blakeshelton Blake Shelton: My prayers to the people at the Sugarland concert in Indianapolis…. Absolutely shocking and hard to comprehend… Beyond belief…

UPDATE: Sunday, August 14, 2011 @ 1:50am

  • The Indiana State Fair will be closed on Sunday, August 14, 2011.
  • The Indiana State Fair is expected to resume on Monday, August 15, 2011.
  • When the Indiana State Fair is reopened, there will be a memorial service for the victims.
  • Four people are confirmed dead with the possibility of an increase in fatalities.
  • The next public update will take place between 9an & noon on Sunday, August 14, 2011.

UPDATE: Sunday, August 14, 2011 @ 10:40am

  • Death total increased to five:
    • Tammy Vandam, 42, Wanatah, Indiana
    • Glenn Goodrich, 49, Indianapolis, Indiana
    • Alina Bigjohnny, 23, Ft. Wayne, Indiana
    • Christina Santiago, 29, Chicago, Illinois
    • Nathan Byrd, 51,  Indianapolis, Indiana
  • More than 40 injured and taken to local hospitals.
  • The Indiana State Police say that there is still the possibility of further fatalities.
  • The Indiana State Fair will reopen at 8am on Monday, August 15, 2011, with a public remembrance at the Free Stage at 9am.
  • Upcoming fair concerts are still being worked out.