Reno, beset by tragedy, mourns air race crash victims
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In recent months, northern Nevada has been in a constant state of mourning.
On June 24, a big-rig driver plowed into an Amtrak train about 70 miles east of Reno, killing six people.
On Sept. 6, a man opened fire with an assault rifle at an IHOP restaurant in Carson City, shooting three National Guard members and an elderly woman to death before killing himself.
On Sept. 16, a plane crash at the National Championship Air Races in Reno killed the pilot and 10 spectators and injured 74 other people.
On Sunday, community members gathered to mark this latest in a string of tragedies.
Though most of the dead came from other states, about 400 people huddled in a Reno park at dusk to light candles and dedicate an oak tree to the crash victims. Affixed to the tree soon will be a plaque that reads, “Let this Oak with its strong roots and skyward reach provide respite to all who seek its shade and comfort,” the Reno Gazette-Journal reported.
Gov. Brian Sandoval told mourners that the tree would mark a defining moment in the “collective life of a community.” In the crash’s aftermath, first responders rushed onto the airfield to help the wounded, and dozens of medical professionals showed up at a local hospital to volunteer their services.
“The accident at the Reno Air Races will not only be remembered for its sense of loss and tragedy,” Sandoval said, according to the Associated Press. “The people of this community responded with a sense of urgency and a demonstration of our shared humanity that will forever make us proud. It is proper we remember that as well.”
It was a poignant moment, particularly since the region is now reeling from yet another deadly event. On Friday night, a California Hells Angels leader was shot to death in the Reno suburb of Sparks, leading officials to declare a state of emergency and cancel part of a popular motorcycle event.
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-- Ashley Powers in Las Vegas
Twitter.com/ashleypowers