Tusky Valley band director describes dramatic rescues, thanks helpers at Ohio bus crash
ZOARVILLE ‒ Stephen Tripp, middle school band director at Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools, has shared a message on Facebook, thanking all of the people who helped out immediately following the deadly bus crash Tuesday that claimed the lives of six students, staff and parents from the district.
Tripp was on the charter bus carrying members of the band, who were to perform at the Ohio School Boards Association conference in Columbus. In his post, he said he was largely uninjured "and in the absolute best position to help. Every student behind me, beside me, and many in front of me required hospitalization. I was able to shout orders, move debris, and start helping kids get out immediately."
The T-R reached out to Tripp regarding his post, but he had not responded as of midday Friday.
Expressing gratitude
Tripp then went on to thank numerous people and organizations.
"I am thankful for our students doing their absolute best in a hopeless situation and literally fighting for their lives. For using every ounce of their strength just to get out amid flames and explosions. For supporting each other fully on what will surely be the worst day of their lives. I love you guys and I am so sorry this happened.
"I am thankful for the random passerby in the blue sweatshirt and others who jumped in to help drag incapacitated students from the back of the bus. To those who performed CPR. To the lady in the dark SUV (now ID'd as Alaina Miller) who sat with and prayed over our most seriously injured and deceased so they wouldn't be alone. I wish I knew your names and could thank you again publicly.
"I am thankful for the two men who stepped up to help finish pulling one of the last survivors out of the broken window at the back of the bus after I was pushed back by an explosion.
"I am thankful for the first responder with a fire extinguisher who led one last desperate charge for the back of the bus as another and I followed behind. Find solace in the fact we did all we could and more than most would.
"I am thankful for Merri who comforted our kids and Kim who sought help from onlookers and rode with the most severely injured to the hospital as their advocate and to communicate with parents.
"I am thankful for our administrative team who reacted quickly, coming to the scene, dividing to cover hospitals, supporting our students, communicating with parents, and dealing with the ensuing chaos.
"I am thankful for Etna Methodist Church opening their doors to us, and the dozens of helpers from the EMA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other organizations I didn't even know existed. Also for the highway patrol, sheriff offices, fire departments, EMS, police, pastors, volunteers, and the Franklin County Therapy Dogs who responded."
Support from around the nation
"I am thankful for the hundreds of well wishes we have received from friends, colleagues, alumni, bands and booster organizations around the state and across the nation offering to help in any way they can. We are still picking up the pieces but will begin moving forward soon."
He concluded his post by saying, "Thank you all. We need time, but we will get through this together."
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Tusky Valley staffer describes dramatic rescues, thanks helpers
