We had a near perfect day in Roanoke with the Cruise-In, a visit from Elvis on Main Street, and then beautiful fireworks. However, tragedy struck when the fireworks ended. An elderly lady started her car and had her foot on the accelerator instead of the brake and she drove her car into a crowd of people still seated. We were seated along Club 116 on the north side - this happened right around the corner from us. Four people were struck directly. Steve Hodel (son of deceased Ben and Ruth Ann) was life flighted and died enroute to the hospital. His wife, Joyce (daughter of Dick [dec] and Mabel Getz) Hodel was admitted with a head gash, multiple lacerations and leg injuries (no feeling). Shirley Leman (Joyce's sister and wife of Steve Leman) had a leg injury, though no broken bones. Troy Janssen (son of Fred and Cheri) was thrown into a crowd of children but was not seriously injured. It was pandemonium and screaming as there were hoards of people that observed the whole thing. Tim and I went to the hospital to be with the family. Tim was with Joyce and prayed with her when the ER doctor told her Steve did not make it. It was all so surreal and sad. There will probably be reports to come in the PJ Star and Pantagraph and their websites. We are very close friends of Steve and Joyce and their families. Prayers are appreciated.
Thanks,
Cathy
7 comments:
We are a family in roanoke who learned of the tragedy last night. Very, very sorry for your loss.
Uncle Jim (Doc) and Chris Roecker of Morton learned of this tragedy Saturday morning. We are deeple saddened at this loss. We will keep all in our prayers.
Correction:
We were seated on the SOUTH side of the Club 116 building along the highway. The accident was at the northeast corner of the building. The building is a triangle and comes to a point on the east end.
Sorry for the error.
Cathy
This is truly horrible. We'll pray for the victims as well as those who witnessed such a thing.
Can't imagine the chaos and sad outcome of a fun day. I don't know Steve but do know Joyce. Another example of how life can change in an instant. You have to feel sorry for the woman who hit her and her family. Too late now to take away her keys.
Although it could happen to anyone. Just want to be fair.
I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy and will keep them, as well as you and Tim, in my prayers.
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