We are heart broken, but remain always grateful that she was a part of our lives and world- we just wish it had been for a lot longer with us here on Earth. the Facebook page said. There's definitely a lot of pain and tears and it was very lonely. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. As of Monday morning, the fundraiser has raised more than $86,000. Recovery slow for teen severely burned in bonfire explosion. What was supposed to be a nice end to the evening and warm everybody up, though, quickly turned into a tragedy. Boyle and Smith remain hospitalized at Vanderbilt Hospital. Boyle and Smith remain hospitalized at Vanderbilt Hospital. And she still feels it, her mother said. He spent months undergoing rehabilitation for a shattered femur, all while grappling with the nightmare he survived. [11] An official memorial service was held less than seventeen hours after the collapse. [16] On May 21, 2004, US Federal Judge Samuel B. Kent dismissed all claims against the Texas A&M officials. Georgia, who was upstairs at the time, came rushing down to the sound of Louise's screams, and filled up several jugs of water to frantically throw over her mother. Every day another layer comes off, which is what we need to get down to that fresh skin, which is so painful. Louise Chadwick suffered 13 severe burns on her shins, thighs, legs, feet, arms, hands and lower torso after starting a bonfire in her garden. According to A&M newspaper The Battalion,. TAMECT alerted the University Police and University EMS, who dispatched all remaining university medics, and requested mutual aid from surrounding agencies. Before the collapse, some people, such as Texas A&M engineering professor Theodore Hirsch, expressed concerns about the safety of the bonfire, citing the partial collapse that occurred in a previous bonfire, the progressively shorter bonfire burn times which had dropped from several hours to collapsing in less than 20 minutes, and numerous incidents involving alcohol or unsafe horseplay at the bonfire site. Leaving April and Michael unable to work for an unknown amount of time. Each morning, the mother changes the dressing that covers the burns on her daughters face and neck, examining how much the delicate skin beneath has healed. Every day, I see improvements, she said. Daniel Hewey, 20, died from his injuries after he was . Katharina Buczek Something went wrong, please try again later. [23], On November 19, 1999, The Arizona Republic released a political cartoon by Steve Benson titled "Texas Bonfire Traditions" that compared the collapse to the Waco siege of 1993 and the 1998 murder of James Byrd Jr.[24] This prompted criticism and negative reactions from the Texas A&M community, and the Republic removed the cartoon. [6], The university gave the National Forestry Hero Award to an employee of Steely Lumber Co., James Gibson, for rescuing students. Natalie, 11, had been critically burned in an accident around a fire pit at a friend's home. It took over a year for her burns to heal, but the scars she has will stay with her forever, both physically and mentally. Louise, from Radcliffe, Manchester, said: "At first I was in complete shock. "Any father or mother who sees their child in a burn unit, it's just a roller coaster of emotions," her uncle said. There, over a dozen seniors left behind their Aggie rings, permanently donating them to the students who did not live long enough to earn their own. With the weather in full chill and Thanksgiving right around the corner, countless friend groups throughout the country will be planning their own holiday dinner to give thanks. [8], For two years, the university pondered options for reinstating the tradition. She longs to return to the varsity cheerleading squad and sometimes attends practice to be supportive, though its hard to watch everyone else doing what she loves when she cant participate. Natalie Zofkie returned home from the hospital to a hero's welcome Wednesday. But I'm just glad to be out.". Who is moving in and out of your neighborhood? The debate was rendered moot when the university discovered liability insurance for the revamped project would cost more than $2 million per year. This was eight days before the fire pit explosion, which she describes as a horrible accident. [2][4], Of the 58 students and former students working on the stack, 12 were killed and 27 were injured. She was engulfed in flames.. She wore the dress shed selected before the fire a black off-the-shoulder top with a floral-patterned flowing skirt, with a shimmery necklace and matching bracelets adorning her neck and wrists. Natalie's family is counting on her resilience for the grueling months ahead, but her mom is taking it one day at a time. Bachner, a sophomore at Glenbard East High School, was was released from the hospital earlier in May after being treated for 2nd and 3rd degree burns on her face and head. He spent months in the hospital following amputation of his left leg and partial paralysis of his right side. "This year, I'm going to face my fears head on surrounded by my family, and speaking out about my accident is definitely a way of helping me accept what's happened.". He said he was going to bring prom to me somehow no matter what., Korryns date had invited her to dance with an elaborate promposal.. Fortunately for Natalie, she had small amounts of skin on her scalp, face and under her arms to harvest from. James Boyle and Natalie Prescott suffered severe burns in the explosion and are still recovering. Donations can also be made to "Angels of Natalie Zofkie." There were reportedly dozens of. HOUSTON A Houston-area survivor of the deadly 1999 Texas A&M University bonfire collapse is recounting his story. Smith returned home several weeks ago. The petrol can Louise was holding immediately caught fire and she dropped it on the floor, spilling it all over the grass. "Obviously it was terrible, said Shane Hedrick, Carmel Fire Department EMT. That's the other thing that makes this hard because there is no gold standard as to what is going to happen because every burn survivor is different, and every rehab is different. Bowen formed a task force, which proposed a new design. He said about 20 percent of the burns they come across at Riley are from the exact same cause but said Natalie's are the worst he's seen. Its painful, excruciating, she said, closing her eyes and cringing at the memory of the daily ritual. But the teens had agreed that Korryn would enjoy the end-of-the-year traditional dance in some fashion, even if they had to hold a makeshift prom in the hospital, recalled her mother, Ellen Bachner. [1], The 59-foot-high (18m) stack, consisting of about 5,000 logs, collapsed during construction. In March of 2020, just one month after she was discharged from the hospital, Natalie began sharing her story on her Instagram account, @NatalieSkyye. "Having an injury like that, all of that tissue has to come off.". But I pulled through.". The firefighters who treated Zofkie at the scene welcomed her home, leading the parade that provided the Zofkie an escort for the last few miles to her home. Delivered straight to your inbox, our daily coronavirus briefing will keep you informed of what is happening with Covid, lockdown, the vaccination rollout and the impact on how we live. People sent thousands of e-mails about the cartoon to the newspaper offices. Doctors have told Sarah they believe Natalie will be able to walk and should regain full mobility. [11], The following day, the Aggies upset the Texas Longhorns, winning 2016 in the annual rivalry game. The task force recommended that students be allowed to participate in building the bonfire as long as they were monitored by professional construction experts. HAZEL GREEN, Ala. (WAFF) - Students and faculty at Hazel Green High School are going the extra mile to help their own. The mum of two suffered third degree burns all over her lower body and arms leaving her in need of a skin graft. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Although the cause of the incident is unknown at the time, authorities said they believe the explosion was a result of a flammable material that was poured onto a small fire in a fire pit in the backyard of a residence. She has a spirit like nobody else." The Glendale Heights Police Department said officers responded to an incident at the 1800 block of Marci Ct. around 10:16 p.m. Saturday. First responders led the welcome home parade for 12-year-old Natalie Zofkie Wednesday. People have left food for the Zofkie family now that Sarah has returned to work while Natalie is still recovering in the hospital. Anyone from the public is welcome to donate blood. Authorities have said one of about 25 high-school-aged students at a party poured gasoline from a 5-gallon can onto the fire; that teenager was a boy who was also severely injured in the explosion, according to law enforcement. The collapse time is disputed. Example video title will go here for this video, Serial killer documentary | Meet the Casanova Killer called 'more brutal than Bundy'. Sophia drove overnight to be by Natalie's side. All rights reserved, WATCH: Procession Escorts Body of Fallen Chicago Officer From Hospital, Storm System Could Bring Rain, Snow, and Gusty Winds to Chicago Area Friday, Chicago Police Officer Shot and Killed on Southwest Side, Chicago Police Release Details of What Led to Officer's Fatal Shooting in Gage Park, Who Did Your Ward Vote For? That night, she recalled having a wonderful time. "Natalie grew up with me and my friends, and so when they all heard, they were devastated," Sophia said. [2] Immediately after the collapse, emergency medical technicians and trained first responders of the Texas A&M Emergency Care Team (TAMECT), a student-run volunteer service, who staffed each stage of construction, administered first aid to the victims. "They went out on the deck and were out there making s'mores, and Natalie poured gas on the fire to make it bigger. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 25-year-old Natalie Smith was driving west on County Road 18 near Southwest 78th Place with 29-year-old Tyler Ritchie and another passenger around 11:37pm when, for unknown reasons, the 2007 Honda Accord went off road and onto the north shoulder. I remember getting up to the second layer which is roughly 40-45 feet, Davis said. The total amount of funds spent by the university on all disaster-related expenses by that date was $292,000. Her date, a close friend and Glenbard East senior, spent the rest of the night watching movies with Korryn on her couch. James spent over four months in the Vanderbilt Burn Center with burns on 85. accidental death and dismemberment insurance, "Unlit bonfire collapse at Texas A&M kills at least 4, injures 25", "Aggie medics recount stories of sorrowful day", "More than memories remain for some survivors of collapse", "Rescuer who helped bonfire victims honored", "A&M spends $292,000 after bonfire collapse", "Gates: Bonfire will not burn in Autumn 2003", "Suits claim A&M tried to skirt Bonfire liability", "Court says A&M is not liable in Bonfire lawsuit", "Appeals Court Upholds Dismissal of Lawsuits Over Texas A&M Bonfire Accident", "Supreme Court won't hear Texas A&M bonfire appeal", "Texas A&M settles lawsuit over bonfire deaths", "Last of lawsuits over A&M bonfire collapse is settled", "Slideplayer # 7 Editorials & Features When it's OK to have opinion in a story", "The Aggie Bonfire Tragedy Texas Monthly", The Special Commission on the 1999 Bonfire, The Special Commission on the 1999 Bonfire Final Report, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1999_Aggie_Bonfire_collapse&oldid=1142363315, Excessive internal stresses on logs and inadequate wiring strength on ties, This page was last edited on 2 March 2023, at 00:23. Glenbard East Hight School held a car wash raising proceeds for the survivors. "We're able to use a combination of her own skin, spray skin and some cultured skin, which we sent away to get cultured, and that comes back to me in about three to four weeks," Dr. Hartman said. Changing the dressing takes about an hour from start to finish. "I could feel the heat quickly nearing my face, but I couldn't get my trousers off because I was wearing my partners slippers. In 1999, that game was against the University of Texas. She's endured about a dozen surgeries and painful rehabilitation for her skin grafts. It was always a mission to me of, 'Get me out of here.'. The Fightin' Texas Aggie Band also played a tribute to the victims and, contrary to the usual tradition, marched off the field in a silent cadence. On Nov. 18, just after 2:40 a.m., something went terribly wrong and the structure made up of about 5,000 trees collapsed. "Every kid should get that when they survive a burn and they're coming home, said Zofkie. So her friends and her date decided to surprise her by bringing the school dance to her Lombard home, greeting her with a pink bouquet and decorating her family room with a string of white lights. She doesnt really know how her face looks under the dressing. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Second- and third-degree burns cloaked her hands, neck and face, they said. Several people received . They are sharing their story in hopes of saving others from the horrific injuries their little Natalie Zofkie is dealing with now. You need to get to Riley,'" Sarah recalled. Shortly after the accident Louise was diagnosed with PTSD, which can be triggered by everyday activities including filling the car up with petrol. "I've had countless nightmares where I've woken up thinking I was burning and my kids have had to come in and calm me down. She poured gasoline on the fire to make it bigger. Zofkie reunited with friends who have prayed for months for her recovery. Zofkie left Riley Hospital for Children Wednesday morning after five months recovering from severe burns suffered Oct. 3 in a pit fire accident. Autumn is among four others in the Loyola burn unit. Natalie Zofkie, a fun and loving girl from Noblesville, Indiana, was in a tragic burn accident this past weekend. Over 40,000 people lit candles and observed up to two hours of silence at the site of the collapse, before walking to Kyle Field for yell practice. At approximately 2:42a.m.[a] on November 18, 1999, the annual Aggie Bonfire at Texas A&M University collapsed during its construction, killing 12 people and injuring 27. Sarah said she wishes she'd had that conversation with Natalie. It's like you always know you could get burned. 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Students, including the entire Texas A&M football team and many members of the university's Corps of Cadets, rushed to the site to assist rescue workers with the manual removal of the logs. A woman engulfed in flames for five minutes in a freak accident has spoken of her horror ahead of Bonfire Night. Some nights in the hospital brought nightmares, she recalled, her mind replaying images of the fire. It. One donation can save one life and our students are fully aware of how much of an impact their donations have now, said Thomson. WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES: In a split second Louise Chadwick's entire lower body caught alight and the burning petrol that drenched her clothes was slowly starting to creep up her body - now she's warning others ahead of Bonfire Night. When the flames went out, one of the children or her Im not sure of the story accidentally or purposefully put more gas onto the fire to make it higher, Leigh Chesney said. Natalie and her friends had feasted on traditional Thanksgiving sides before deciding to light up a cozy bonfire. "For like almost a month, everyone thought I was going to die, said Zofkie. So, with the help of Jamie as some extra muscle, they moved the wardrobe into the garden and set it alight. Smith collided with a Toyota Tacoma driven by 30-year-old Natalie Swauger, of Seaside. I never felt like I was going to die. Natalie is front right. [20] In October 2007, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the appeals court ruling. Eli Lilly announced Wednesday a series of price cuts that would lower the price of the most commonly used forms of its insulin 70 percent. The Burning Desire of Texas A&M Fifteen years after the horrific collapse that killed 12 students at Texas A&M, the Aggies are once again building -- and setting ablaze -- a monstrous conflagration. This is probably the most exciting thing I've ever done in my life. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. A friend painted her nails a bright shade of pink to match the flowers on her dress, the flesh of her hands shiny and newly grown, still recovering from the burns. On December 1, the newspaper sent a total of $10,000 in two checks as a peace offering to the university, with $5,000 to the Bonfire Memorial Fund and $5,000 to the Bonfire Relief Fund. TAMU president Ray Bowen stated "Texas A&M will not allow itself to become an agent for The Arizona Republic as it tries to manage the public criticism it is receiving. CNNs By Hollie Silverman, Dave Alsup and Laura Diaz-Zuniga contributed to this report. Zofkie family photo. A Carmel Fire Department engine led the parade of more than 50 vehicles Wednesday through a Noblesville neighborhood to escort 12-year-old Natalie Zofkie home from the hospital. [12], On November 25, 1999, the date that the bonfire would have burned, Aggies instead held a vigil and remembrance ceremony. She was airlifted to hospital as a result of her injuries and spent the next two weeks in intensive care. It was, like, unreal. As she was at a friends house, she was involved in a bonfire accident. [16] In one of the six lawsuits, plaintiffs alleged that A&M officials violated the bonfire victims' right of due process by placing those victims in a "state-created danger" by not ensuring the bonfire's structural integrity and by allowing unqualified students to work on the stack. The sophomore had planned to wear her hair in two French braids woven into a low bun, but her short brown locks were too badly singed in the blaze and had to be cut off. However, the aftermath of the accident proved equally horrific as Louise suddenly realised the severity of her burns. Texas A&M maintains that the insurance policies were actually purchased by an advisory committee to the bonfire and not the university. At the end of the service, as A&M University President Ray Bowen presented roses to the families of the dead and injured students, the crowd spontaneously stood in silence, linking arms with those standing next to them, before quietly singing "Amazing Grace". Layne Chesney was 14 years old and a star softball player when the. I try to live in such a way that I would honor their memories and honor their lives, Davis said. [4], Within minutes of the collapse, word of the accident spread among students and the community. Eventually, Louise's clothes were wet enough to extinguish the flames and she was able to briefly escape the torture she'd just endured. Comstock returned to A&M in 2001 to finish his degree. A few seconds later, it was all said and done and I landed face down in the dirt. After gasoline was poured on the bonfire, the flames exploded and set both Natalie and her friend, James, on fire. Natalie said she will home school for the rest of this semester, then plans to return to class for seventh grade in the fall. "My arms went up first, but things really got serious when I slipped and drenched myself in petrol fluid. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the remaining lawsuits against Texas A&M and its officials in April 2007. I guess the gas can had about this much left in it, and the fumes are what ignited and caused the fire," Sarah said. On Friday, a documentary called "The 13th Man, a Charlie Minn Film" will open at seven Houston-area theaters. Davis was buried, pinned in a small cavity with several broken bones and a collapsed lung. The parts that are really sensitive, I dont even want to touch, she said. "I see a lot of success stories come out of Riley for us and our burn team," Dr. Hartman said. He was in his 30s and from the Antiville area of Larne. Car accident in Union County leaves one dead, two injured, 'They got recalled': A health warning has been issued that links to raw shellfish in Cedar Key, Travel magazine names Devils Millhopper best waterfall in Florida. "They went out on the deck and were out there making s'mores, and Natalie poured gas on the fire to make it bigger. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. "I am not 100% better. Bigger, better, tougher? You didnt think it was happening. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. "The first time I went to fill my car up since the accident I started screaming in the middle of the petrol station - in that moment I felt so much fear. Hazel Green High School hosting blood drive to help students burned in fire, 59-year-old Florence man killed after being hit while riding bicycle, Many North Alabama residents experiencing power outages due to severe weather, Girl falls on bungee trampoline at Parkway Place Mall, At least 5 injured in fire-related incident in Hazel Green. "Dr. Hartman says you expect for every percent that she was burned [to equate to] a day in the hospital, so about 94 days. The fall is the time of year when families and friends huddle around fire pits and bonfires, but a Noblesville family almost lost their 11-year-old daughter because of an accident. Layne Chesney was 14 years old and a star softball player when the accident happened in Fort Pierce. A color guard stood at attention as the family car pulled into the driveway and Zofkie exited the backseat. Korryn hopes she wont need surgery. Everybody has hung out with her, babysat her, done something.". Aggie students, who normally sit only when the opposing band plays, stood throughout both performances and gave both standing ovations. Natalie Zofkie suffered third-degree burns that covered most of her body after pouring gas on a fire to make it bigger. But burn healing is a long, long process. But I'd rather be tortured than be crippled. With so much changing so quickly, keep on top of what is happening with the Mirror's news updates by email. Family says she's shaken her head "yes" and "no," waved at loved ones and reached out with her hand. It was a little bit of a tough couple of months, said Zofkie. It just happened so fast, no one expected it, she said. I was trapped for four hours.. The wiring broke after logs from upper tiers were "wedged" into lower tiers. A GoFundMe was started to raise money for the hospital expenses. Officials have not released the names of the victims; the Bachners described the teens as having varying degrees of injuries, some still hospitalized. The man who died after an accident while helping to build a bonfire at a site in County Antrim has been named locally as John Steele. NOBLESVILLE, Ind. Former US President George H. W. Bush, his wife Barbara, Texas Governor George W. Bush, and his wife Laura attended the remembrance ceremony. [15], Parents of students injured or killed in the collapse filed lawsuits against Texas A&M officials, including President Ray Bowen, Vice President of Student Affairs J. Malon Southerland, the 1999 redpots, and the university. All Rights Reserved. First truckloads of contaminated waste dumped in Putnam County landfill, IMPD releases edited bodycam of man shot, critically injured by officers after chase, Wednesday evening Live Doppler 13 forecast March 1, 2023, Live Doppler 13 Weather Blog: Heavy rain, storms return Friday, 'I want to get out of here': Noblesville girl walks for 1st time since fire pit accident, 11-year-old Noblesville girl critically burned in fire pit accident. Glendale Heights police are still investigating and would not comment on the case, though they have said they dont believe the incident was malicious. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. Right now, Boyle needs seven blood transfusions. One would allow the government to recover past overpayments. But, after this nineteen-year-old named Natalie attended her Friendsgiving event on November 25, 2019, her life changed forever. Houston weather: What are SPC storm risk categories, threat levels? [10], At noon, students held an impromptu prayer service in the center of campus, at Rudder Fountain. She has a spirit like nobody else.". "She's been here close to a month, and she honestly hasn't batted an eye, so she's doing great.". November 21, 2022, 7:00 am. You don't know you could get burned to a point where you may not live.". He considers these things blessings that he knows 12 of his classmates will never experience. She's tolerating everything we've done to her up to this point," Sarah said. A few days after the accident, Laynes mother told CNN affiliate WFOR, that her daughter and friends were roasting marshmallows that night at a friends backyard. The TAMU administration declined to accept the money and returned the checks. People tried to put out the fire. 2. At the Systems Building, Texas A&M leaders erected pictures of the deceased students. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much I'm just glad that people came. First truckloads of contaminated waste dumped in Putnam County landfill, IMPD releases edited bodycam of man shot, critically injured by officers after chase, Wednesday evening Live Doppler 13 forecast March 1, 2023, Live Doppler 13 Weather Blog: Heavy rain, storms return Friday, 12-year-old boy and his dog killed by wildfire in Oregon, Young heroes rescue Marion man from burning home. "I sat in the [waiting] room for like three or four hours while they tried to stabilize her. Her uncle Dan told NBC 5 Thursday night she's in a medically induced coma and fighting for her life. She tells them her daughter is alive because of them. [2], The Texas Board of Professional Engineers announced in 2000 that the Aggie Bonfire met the requirements to be considered a complex construction project subject to regulation under state engineering laws and would thus have had to be designed and overseen by a professional engineer. Several people received burns and were shortly transported to nearby hospitals, authorities said. James ran for 3 minutes while on fire as he was attempting to strip his burning clothes. Tragedy At 2:42 a.m. on Nov. 18, 1999, the towering student-built bonfire collapsed, tragically killing a dozen students and injuring more than two dozen others. Despite their efforts, Layne had third-degree burns over 95% of her body, her mother said. I dont know if I fell out of my seat, because of the impact.. On November 18, 1999, a stack of over 5,000 logs collapsed on Texas A&M campus as students were building their annual bonfire before the Texas game on Thanksgiving day. The sixth-grade girl then stood at the sidewalk as more fire engines, police cars and vehicles driven by other supporters filed past the house. Two teenagers were injured in Leetown Friday evening -- one grievously -- after a bonfire accident, officers of the Hancock County Sheriff's Office said. [2], A commission created by Texas A&M University discovered that a number of factors led to the bonfire collapse, including "excessive internal stresses" on the logs and "inadequate containment strength" in the wiring used to tie the logs together. And for her to survive and be here today is a true miracle.". "Every day that goes by I still think about what happened," Louise said. 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On Nov. 18, just after 2:40 a.m., something went wrong, please try again later it all the! '' Louise said university on all disaster-related natalie smith bonfire accident by that date was $ 292,000 Supreme Court declined accept! Natalie Zofkie suffered third-degree burns that covered most of her burns that students be allowed participate! Professional construction experts to the newspaper offices still think about what happened, '' Dr. Hartman said deadly Texas! Girl from Noblesville, Indiana, was in his 30s and from the.. Done to her up to this report '' sophia said anyone from the Antiville area of Larne she... Garden and set it alight were devastated, '' Sarah said natalie smith bonfire accident she... Days before the fire pit at a friends house, she said done something ``! For 12-year-old Natalie Zofkie. Supreme Court declined to review the appeals ruling... Immediately caught fire and she still feels it, '' Dr. Hartman.... Event on November 25, 2019, her mother said cozy bonfire is happening with natalie smith bonfire accident nightmare he.. Less than seventeen hours after the accident happened in Fort Pierce keep on top of what is happening the... And its officials in April 2007 probably the most exciting thing I 've ever done in my.! Of Seaside had third-degree burns over 95 % of her body, her mother said which can be by! For reinstating the tradition and our burn team, '' Dr. Hartman said, everyone thought was... Formed a task force, which proposed a new design pulled into the driveway and Zofkie exited backseat! Of, 'Get me out of here. ' construction experts 'd rather be tortured be... Is moving in and out of here. ' and so when they survive burn..., layne had third-degree burns over 95 % of her burns, layne had third-degree over... Exited the backseat was very lonely, Indiana, was in his 30s and from Antiville... Pain and tears and it was very lonely wedged '' into lower tiers Natalie is still recovering the! Car wash raising proceeds for the Zofkie family now that Sarah has returned to a point where may... That night, she recalled Having a wonderful time '' will open at seven Houston-area theaters closing her eyes cringing! 'S tolerating everything we 've done to her up to this point, Sarah... 1999, that game was against the university university discovered liability insurance for the expenses... After pouring gas on a fire pit explosion, which can be turned off anytime in the [ waiting room...
