The following letter is so very sad and is typical with the many deaths on Las Vegas streets:
"Dear Ragnar Relay Participants,
Most of you are aware that there was a tragic accident during last weekend’s Ragnar
Relay Las Vegas. The level of concern that Ragnar participants and members of the
community have expressed has been overwhelming. We appreciate your patience
with us as we’ve worked to release information in the most appropriate fashion. Our
first priority at this time is to be sensitive to the needs and wishes of our
participant’s family.
Details about the accident are somewhat limited, but we want to share with you
what we can confirm at this time.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, October 10 Jeremy Kunz was struck by a
suspected drunk driver while providing support to a runner on his team. Police and
Rescue responded quickly, as did several Ragnar teams. Unfortunately Jeremy could
not be resuscitated. Special thanks goes out to team 184, “The Dog Pound,” which
was first on the scene and provided immediate aid to Jeremy. Jeremy’s family has
asked us to thank team 184 and other teams who were there. Thank you!
The driver was apprehended and arrested for DUI and other charges. He is currently
in custody. Police have released very few other details. We expect a full incident
report to be released sometime today (Monday, October 12).
This was Jeremy’s 3rd Ragnar Relay. He has participated with his family in two
Wasatch Back Ragnar Relays in addition to the Las Vegas Ragnar. He was
participating as a member of team Wanabees. His family wanted teams to know how
much he loved these relays. They are finding some comfort in the fact that he died
doing something he loved.
We at Ragnar Relay feel tremendous sorrow for the family’s loss. The level of
concern and sorrow that other Ragnar participants have expressed has been very
moving. Laurie Pratt (a Ragnar participant) expressed our feelings and those of
other Ragnar participants well in a comment on our Facebook fan page: “On the
course we all look out for each other and feel a kinship that few may understand if
they haven't personally experienced it.” Never have we seen that support and
kinship more evident than at this time. Thank you all for your concern.
Many of you expressed interest in making a contribution to the family. A family
friend will be setting up a fund that will benefit Jeremy’s young family and children.
We will provide information to participants when details are available. Until then
you may email dan@ragnarrelay.com if you are interested in donating. Please
include “donate” in the subject line.
Our hearts and deepest sympathy go out to the family. We ask that you keep them in
your thoughts and prayers. Many teams have been expressing their grief on our
facebook fan page. It has been incredibly touching. You may read comments and
post your own here. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The‐Ragnar‐Relay‐
Series/46637589402?ref=ts"
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8 comments:
Oh man.. my heart goes out to the participant's family and friends. It is heart wrenching to read this kind of thing. I do not wish upon anyone to have to go through this.
That is so horrible :( Thats all I can say about that.
Just so sad...
That is horrible. Keep us posted on the details as they unfold. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out the family and his friends.
I haven't posted all the series of events that happened on my blog. It's been too much to write. But I was suppose to be at that race until only a few hours before. It's shocking, scary and so sad. I'm sad for that family, yet very grateful for my absence.
I went over to the intersection today and there isn't one single sign of anything. Only days ago, a fellow runner died there... it's incredibly sad.
Hi, my sister was hit by a car and killed while psychotic and on leave from hospital - hitching - it was no fault because the driver was joining a dual carriageway in the dark and my sister was crossing the sliproad - that was nearly 8 years ago - anniversary coming up -
so sad to hear about similar happening to a runner and dui as well
A bad year all around for endurance sports. Can't dwell on the negative though as we gain so much for participating though.
BTW, I hope your recovery is going fine and your back running soon.
Oh gosh...what a sad story.
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