On the recordSeptember 19, 2011
I was saddened to hear of the terrible accident on Friday at the Reno airshow, which killed 10 people and injured many more. I just received word an hour or two ago that another person has died in the hospital. My heart goes out to those who were hurt, and my thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives when the pilot of a World War II airplane crashed into spectators. I commend the many first responders who rushed to the scene Friday. Their quick thinking and skillful assistance saved lives. While this crash was devastating--and it was--it is fortunate and I am glad the pilot took quick action to avoid additional loss of life by avoiding a grandstand packed with thousands of spectators. My four grandchildren and my son attended the show on Thursday. My oldest grandson Mitchell was at the event with a Scout Troop on Friday, just hours before this terrible accident. Although officials are investigating the crash, initial reports indicate that a piece of the plane's tail broke off prior to the accident. I hope this terrible event, the first of its kind in this Nation, will not deter people from attending airshows in the future. Thousands of people enjoy these shows every year. The late Senator Ted Stevens attended this show many times and told me it was the best of its kind. I will continue to monitor the investigation, of course. ____________________
