Well team, sadly tragedy struck yesterday. As most of you know, yesterday a bus carrying students from the GHAMAS robotics team to the Farmington High School kickoff was hit by a car and knocked off the highway into a ravine. While most were okay, there was one death of 16 year old Vikas from Rocky Hill High School. Cody Harris, a student on the team and on the bus, posted this note on Facebook last night with the updated information:
Quote:
Vikas: Deceased. Our hearts go out to his family. Grief counseling is available all day today and tomorrow at both GHAMAS and RHHS. Memorial service TBD. Midterms scheduled for Monday have been cancelled to allow everyone to attend supportive services. If you need to speak to someone, PLEASE let someone know. Also, please continue posting your prayers and wishes. They are being heard by the victims and families, and are greatly appreciated.
Adam: Cut above the eye has been stitched. Broken collar or shoulder. Current location: Saint Francis Hospital
Lauren: Fine right now. Current Location: Home
Karl: Fine right now. Current Location: Home
Sameer: Waiting for MRI results. Current Location: Hartford Hospital
Mr. Sams: Broken ankle, broken rib. Current Location: Home
Driver: Lost conciousness briefly, but believed okay. Current Location: Home
Jack: Severe head injury has been stitched. Current Location: Hartford Hospital or Home (unknown)
Eric: Fine right now. Current Location: Home
Amanjot: Punctured lung, not critical. Current Location: CT Children's Medical Center
Inol: Broken leg, being fixed. Current Location: Home
Aadrian: Cuts and bruises, but generally okay. Current Location: Home
Cody: Fine, just back pain. Current Location: Home
Keye: Believed to have no injuries, but fine either way. Current Location: Home
Donovan: Bruised, but generally okay. Current Location: Home
Russell: Believed to be okay, will post when I know more. Current Location: Home
Justin: Released with non-traumatic back pain. Location: Home
Since then, almost all (if not all) who were at hospitals have been released and permitted to return home.
As a team, I feel like it would be a crime not to do something for the team. Last year, Libby Kamen's team made bumper stickers in memory of a mentor that passed. Perhaps something like that in honor of Vikas, at minimum. I know 178 is getting Vikas's name on their shirts, but a lot of people on their team knew him, so I'm not sure if that would be okay for our team. Still, doing nothing doesn't feel right. Also, Lauren has approached me asking for our team's help with a follow up act they're working on. But I'll let her post the information when it's more organized (she should still have an account, right?) because I want to make sure all the information is right.
Again, all my thoughts and prayers go out to Pirates of the Pythagorean- team 3125
