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It was strangely foggy overnight and this morning throughout Central Illinois. The Weather Channel speculating that the foggy conditions may have contributed to the crash.
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So that picture posted by Torrey ward doesn't show a Cessna but an Embraer Phenom. So did they use a different plane coming back or was the report wrong?Walk on, Walk on
With hope in your hearts,
and You'll Never Walk AloneComment
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Very sad news indeed--Torrey Ward took over the Associate coach spot when Dana Ford left to take the Tennessee State head coaching job--and I think he was their top recruiter. Huge loss for ISU--my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all the victims.Bradley football--undefeated again this yearComment
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From what I was just informed by an ISU insider, there are apparently 7 dead- ISU Associate Coach Ward, the owner of the plane (Scott Bittner) and the pub owner (Terry Stralow), both of whom were ISU boosters, the pilot, one member of the ISU Athletic Dept. staff (we know who it is but are not posting yet because he has not been named publicly yet), and 2 other ISU boosters who have not been named yet.Comment
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The other ISU person is now being mentioned publicly- so we can reveal that ISU Deputy Athletic Director Aaron Leetch was also killed in the plane crash.Originally posted by Da Coach View Post
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The latest update from the Bloomington Pantagraph
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There are still conflicting reports, some saying 5 dead, and some saying 7 dead. I heard from and ISU insider that there might have been 2 other boosters besides the 2 named. We should hear clarification soon. They have announced a press conference that was to start at noon-
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The NTSB and the CIRA are confirming 7 dead.
Another press conference is scheduled at 5:00 pm.Comment
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Here are the names of the people killed in the Bloomington plane crash. Click on links for more info-
ISU Basketball Associate Head Coach Torrey Ward
ISU Deputy Athletic Director Aaron Leetch
Terry Stralow, long-time co-owner of The Pub and The Pub II in Bloomington-Normal
Scott Bittner, owner of Bittner's Meat Company in Eureka
Tom Hileman, the pilot of the plane
Jason Jones, former Illinois Wesleyan player, and a financial planner for Wells Fargo in Bloomington
Andy Butler, ISU grad and works in marketing at SprintComment
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Prayers to all involved and the Redbird family.
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Terry and Scott are acquaintenances of mine. Scott is also a neighbor and former golf partner. Both great guys with wonderful families. Sad day around these parts. Rest in peace.Comment
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My heart goes out to Andy Butler friends and family. Andy included me in some
ISU events and I always felt like a king for the time I was there, and left with a feeling of friendship and pride.
I won't forget, I still owe you a lunch
See you soon my friendComment
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Andy was a business acquaintance of mine, whom I held in very high regard.Originally posted by jimmyv View PostComment
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Article by Sun Times' basketball writer Joe Henricksen about one of the men killed on the tragic plane crash early yesterday-
And a Bloomington Pantagraph article about all the victims-
I did not know any of those men, but for the grace of God, that could have been anyone of us or our families. It is a terrible tragedy. Life is relatively short, and these people all died way too young. I hope it gives everyone a chance to reflect on the important things in life and appreciate and cherish our loved ones.Comment
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Well said.
This kind of event causes me to recall a Thornton Wilder book from way last century that tries to find answers or account for why tragedies like this happen.
As much as we want an answer or some understanding, sadly, there are no satisfactory answers -
The entire Valley needs to honor their coach in a special way next season...
Maybe some experts can answer - but does a plane like this have data recorders or have a way to analyze what happened so perhaps something can be learned to help prevent future tragedies?Comment
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