Out of respect to the family and friends of a Shawnee teenager killed during Sunday’s Mud-A-Thon, Friday’s ATV races and Saturday’s Demolition Derby at the Lyon County Fair have been canceled.
The Lyon County Commission voted 3-0 Tuesday during a special meeting to forgo both events. Ticket holders will receive a full refund by turning tickets into the fair office from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday or Saturday.
Hannah Deaver, 17, was struck by a competitor’s vehicle Saturday evening while watching the Mud-A-Thon from the bed of pickup truck at the north end of the mud pit. Alexandria M. Allen, a 17-year-old from Emporia, was injured in the accident, but was treated and released from the hospital Saturday.
Commissioners said there hadn’t been any outcry from the public or fair board to either cancel the events or allow them to go on as scheduled. From a safety and legal standpoint, there was nothing stopping the events from taking place.
After talking it over during Tuesday’s meeting, they decided the proper decision was to cancel.
“I would favor cancellation to show our respect to those impacted, particularly the family, friends, as well as and the entire community,” said Commissioner Teresa Walters.
For more, see Wednesday's print or online pdf editions.
bigchevy (anonymous) says...
Bummer.
August 3, 2010 at 1:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
I think it would be more fitting to still have the events and hold a moment of silence each night. Hannah was a spectator at a similar event, so she must have enjoyed watching such things. Do you think she would want to deprive others of that joy? I can understand taking extra precautions, but why cancel them? Unless the family requested this, I don't see how this is showing any respect.
When I die, I don't want people to be bummed-out about it. I'd rather they celebrate my passing! (and I'm sure some of you other posters would) A demolition derby sounds pretty fitting for me, but I guess I'm speaking out of turn. I can only make assumptions at what Hannah would have wanted.
I feel deeply sorry for the family and the sad truth is that there is little we can do to ease their suffering after such a tragic loss.
'enry
August 3, 2010 at 1:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Louise (anonymous) says...
I will have to agree with HenryVIII on this.
August 3, 2010 at 2:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lets_get_reasonable (anonymous) says...
Agreed! Good post, Henry!
August 3, 2010 at 2:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bloom (anonymous) says...
Well said, Henry!!! I will "3rd" your comments on this topic. I think the extra precautions and the moment of silence would both be excellent ideas - and then just proceed as scheduled. I honestly think that canceling the events draws even MORE attention to the tragedy. And how many commissioners are there total?? The vote was 3-0 - were only 3 present for the meeting?
August 3, 2010 at 2:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MelissaGarrison (Melissa Garrison) says...
I agree with Henry, too. Have a moment of silence at both events, and maybe the cars and ATV's could put do something as a way to honor Hannah. Maybe put up a flag on their car or everyone wears a t-shirt in her favorite color.
August 3, 2010 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
emporian (anonymous) says...
I wonder if there is really a legal reason they aren't letting on. To me this is them saying silently "We really don't have the proper facility to hold these events." I could be wrong though its happened before.
August 3, 2010 at 2:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
unicornheart (anonymous) says...
I too agree with Henry. In my most humble opinion if they truly wanted to show respect to the family and friends of those hurt in the tragic wreck last Sat. they should have done it then. It would have made much more sense to stop the mud a thon refund spectator money and continue with the rest of the fair events as scheduled.
August 3, 2010 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sittingeagle (anonymous) says...
wow what a back pedal from yesterday "Gasche said there are no plans to modify any of the arena events during this year’s fair or to restrict admission to the grandstand events for crowd control."
so there must be more than meets the eye going on as to why less than 24 hours latter
they cancel these events. After posting that there would be no changes.
August 3, 2010 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
For the first time, I have to agree with Henry. Shutting down two of the biggest events at the fair will not change what happened nor would it be disrespectful to allow them to continue. It will have a negative effect on the Fair itself, for the fans and the participants, also for the vendors and 4H diner etc that will lose out on the opportunity. Not surprised by the quote from Teresa Walters and wouldn't doubt one bit she's where the action originated. She's well known for meddling in other people's business.
August 3, 2010 at 2:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
I am choking on this, but I have to agree with Henry....and am surprised by the sympathetic way in which he spoke.
I also would like to know if this refund hurts 4H? I have no interest in taking their funds away from them and I thought that ticket sales was one of their biggest fund-raisers of the year. Anyone know?
August 3, 2010 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Renew (anonymous) says...
I would like to know who is going to be financially responsible for paying out the settlement that will invariably follow? Will that be the county?
August 3, 2010 at 3 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
Yes, it will have a negative effect on 4H funds oh4.
I'd like to suggest that everyone that is against this decision, should contact the County Commissioners and the Fair Board and let them know how they feel RESPECTFULLY.
August 3, 2010 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
railroadhorn (anonymous) says...
I believe the deceased is related to someone on the Fair Board, which might have been a factor in their decision to cancel the events.
August 3, 2010 at 3:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
railroadhorn (anonymous) says...
Hannah Sharon Deaver, 17, of Shawnee, left this life Saturday July 31, 2010.
Hannah was born July 11, 1993, to Ron and Christi Deaver in Paris, Texas. Hannah attended Mill Valley High School where she was a member of the Math Club. She worked at the concessions stand at the 3 and 2 Baseball Complex.
Hannah was a brilliant, vibrant and confident young woman. She always dreamed big and was planning on pursuing a career in emergency medicine. Hannah was so in love with her high school sweetheart. She had been engaged to be married to Matt Moore for six months. He made all her dreams come true. Hannah never met a stranger. Family and friends could always count on her for anything.
Hannah was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Sharon Ann Terry. She is survived by her loving parents, Ron and Christi Deaver, Shawnee, Kansas; two brothers Shane and Corey, sister Annie; fiancé Matt Moore, Shawnee; grandparents, Curtis and Betty Deaver, Alvarado, Texas and Frank and Kathie Terry, Ft. Worth, Texas.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to:
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund
825 College Blvd, Suite 102
PMB 609
Oceanside, California 92057
or
Rose Brooks Center
P.O. Box 320599
Kansas City, Missouri 64132
Celebration of Life Service
A Celebration of Hannah’s life will be 2 p.m., Friday, August 6, 2010, at the Westside Family Church, 8500 Woodsonia Drive, Lenexa, Kansas 66227.
August 3, 2010 at 3:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
railroadhorn (anonymous) says...
You can leave condolences for the family at www.amosfamily.com
August 3, 2010 at 3:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Captain_Cheddar (anonymous) says...
I will not be accepting my refund, the 4H'ers worked hard to sell my ticket to me and it is a very worthwhile group. As a cattleman myself I love that these kids are exposed to farm life and simple living. And they can keep my money as a donation to their fine organization.
August 3, 2010 at 3:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
frebrd_93 (anonymous) says...
I also agree with henry. I am really sorry that this accident happened and I feel for the Deaver family whom suffered a great loss. I disagree with the fair board decision. I look forward to these events every year and dont miss one. How is cancelling these helping anyone? It's taking hard earned money away from the 4h which they have worked their tails off selling these tickets and to refund money for them is like kicking these kids in the face. I WILL NOT do that to these kids. What's next? Cancelling the fair all together?
August 3, 2010 at 3:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bowyerfan (anonymous) says...
I agree. There are lots of different ways that they could have shown respect. Why not have a moment of silence and also have the participants at the other events go up and down the grandstands collecting donations. That is what they do at other motorsports events when accidents happened and they collect thousands of dollars that they give to the family for expenses. The shows always go on.
You are also right not only does this hurt the fair board, but also the 4-Hers. All the money from the diner goes to the 4-H Council which provides funding for lots of different events and projects that the kids do.
August 3, 2010 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tosie (anonymous) says...
Please re-read the article - This was NOT a fair board decision - it was the county commissioners decision. So many people work long, hard hours to make the fair happen - fair board members and their families, 4-H members and their families, etc. The whole ordeal is sad and tragic. Of course everyone wants to blame the fair board, but at this time everyone is hurting, the family who has lost their loved one, the driver who was involved in the accident, the people on the fairboard and/or any other volunteers who were there helping out that night who had to witness this tragedy.
Please, let's stop laying blame and let's just pray for the families and everyone that is hurting at this time.
August 3, 2010 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Very fine and sensitive comment, Henry. I agree.
I also like Captain Cheddar's idea of not accepting his refund. Yes, those 4-H kids work hard to sell tickets and they deserve to keep the money for all their projects. What a bunch of hard-working kids they are in all they do. I celebrate their devotion to 4-H. I hope others follow your lead, Captain.
August 3, 2010 at 4:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jorobric (anonymous) says...
Out of respect for the young lady & her family, I agree with the cancellation. But I believe the fairboard has underlying legal issues, that they dont want implied, by the cancellation.
Why would anyone think a 12" to 18" guardrail is sufficient protection for spectators, against an out-of-control vehicle?I feel its neglible not to have considered this before this young woman lost her life.
I think the fairboard may also want to consider the northside "make-shift" fence that is supposed to be a barrier, at the Buck, Rumble, & Roll event. Will it take a bull crashing through & trompling the spectactors, before this is thought of??
August 3, 2010 at 4:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
frebrd_93 (anonymous) says...
Misread the article, Tosie, thanks for pointing that out. I still dont see how cancelling these events will change the tradegy the happened at the mud a thon.I understand about the safety issue. Take extra precautions.
August 3, 2010 at 4:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChevyTrucksRule (anonymous) says...
I hope that Hannah's parents sue the Lyon County Fair Board members for allowing this to happen! The money they get will not bring Hannah back, but maybe it could be put in a memorial fund towards whatever Hannah felt strongly about. I am so sorry that the Fair Board Members did not care enough about the publics safety...It is so sad that a life had to end before the Lyon County Fair Board starts questioning the publics safety at a Lyon Couty Fair event. Wake up Lyon County Fair Board!!!
August 3, 2010 at 4:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
logical (anonymous) says...
The Fair Board is a great group of volunteers who are trying to make our community a better place. This accident was a horrible tragedy not only for Hannah's family but for the entire community as well, including the Fair Board. There are so many what if's that you can't go back and change....what if the driver hadn't parked there, what if the driver of the jeep hadn't lost control, what if they had been told to move their vehicle, what if,what if. Unfortunately it can't bring her back. I hope this doesn't destroy the fair board, the county, the community and 4-H. I agree with boyerfan, hosting the events, holding a moment of silence and collecting funds for a memorial to present to the family would have been a much better solution. Comparing the mudathon to the demo derby and ATV races is like comparing apples and oranges. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and those affected by this tragedy.
August 3, 2010 at 5:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mds (anonymous) says...
The whole situation is bad. I find it funny how they could put up new fence around the perimeter of the East side of the fair grounds but could not improve any safety barriers that have brought complaints in the past prior to this happening.
In the 18 years I have been in Emporia I have not seen any improvements to the mud pit area. I'm surprised no one has got run over crossing the start/stage area where everyone crosses to get to the East side of the pits.
I do feel sad that the county commissioners chose to force the fair board into canceling the remainder of the events in the grandstands.
I do wish to send my thoughts and prayers to the family of this young lady.
August 3, 2010 at 6:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
REWBA (anonymous) says...
logical said: "There are so many what if's that you can't go back and change"
What if the Fair Board had conducted a thorough risk assessment, identified potential risk for each event, implemented controls and mitigated the risk to negligible levels? Huh? Something as simple as jersey barriers and a buffer zone could mean the difference between acceptable risk and unacceptable risk.
My condolences to the family.
August 3, 2010 at 6:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nothing_but_angels (anonymous) says...
I understand that a life was lost and my heart goes out to Hanna's family and friends. And they need to make the pit area safer, but has anyone thought of how the driver of the truck is doing? This has to be really hard on the driver. This was an acciedent and my heart goes out to all involve and there families.
August 3, 2010 at 7:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sittingeagle (anonymous) says...
I would like to correct my mistake I made earlier . And apologize to the fair board who made no plans to change it. It was the decision of three of the five people that we the people of lyon county voted into those seats of The Lyon County Commission.
August 3, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hottopics (anonymous) says...
I was there and I thought they should have canceled the mudathon even before we knew she had passed. It was more than obvious it was a very serious accident. I was told that the other events didn't have insurance. The only one that carried a policy was for the mudathon??? Correct me if I am wrong.
But I think people who are worried about MONEY and TICKETS should be more concerned about a 17yr dying, not profits or impact on us. I say.....Everyone keep there tickets instead of cashing them back in if they are worried about the community.
August 3, 2010 at 8:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
orlando (anonymous) says...
I think, too, that a moment of silence and a few well-chosen words would be better for the Fri/Sat events. Too much planning goes into the fair to cancel events like this. A young girl losing her life is so tragic, but there must be a better way to remember and honor her than by canceling the Fri/Sat events. Could they have a collection and plant a tree in her honor there at the fairgrounds or do something permanent like that? Also, perhaps a sympathy card for attendees to sign to send to her family.
August 3, 2010 at 8:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tell (anonymous) says...
sittingeagle we only have three county commissioners
August 3, 2010 at 9:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ship (anonymous) says...
what about holding a candlelight vigil
August 3, 2010 at 9:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blulitespecial (anonymous) says...
I can only say what I would think if that were me- and my friends and family would back me up- I would not want anything called off on my account.
Kick the tires and light the fire.
August 3, 2010 at 9:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
I heard that someone ask an officer if the driver was going to be charged and they didn't think so, and then I heard that they found out that the driver had been drinking! Maybe just rumor, but the source was one of my daughter's friends relatives that is a police officer. This I would think would make him very responsible for damages and charged.
August 3, 2010 at 9:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sittingeagle (anonymous) says...
ok stand corrected thank you
August 3, 2010 at 10:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Thank you neighbor. I have asked my sister-in-law to look into it because she thought that the ticket refunds would come out of the fair's portion of the ticket sales with insurance reimbursing their loses. Like others on here, I will not ask for a refund that requires the 4-H program to give back anything.
Also, for what it's worth, there's a rumor that the County Attorney advised the cancellation.
August 3, 2010 at 11:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
spectator (anonymous) says...
VERY nice post, Henry VIII, very nice.
Now. Who are you and what have you done with the REAL 'enry? ;-)
I cannot speak for anyone but myself but I would prefer that events take place as scheduled. A moment of silence,a tree (I like maples) planted as a memorial might be O.K. but the people in New Orleans have the right idea. A slow, sad dirge on the way to the cemetery and something lively and happy on the way back to town. Don't weep for me, I have moved on to a much better place.
I indicated on another online article and I repeat it here; I offer my sympathy and prayers for all persons involved including the driver. I am sorry you have had this tragedy thrust upon you.
August 4, 2010 at 1:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
romano1784 (anonymous) says...
My condolences to the family first thing.
I'm confused. I have noticed a trend here thats not being addressed. While everything runs smooth, everyone has a good time. But an accident happens and immediately THEN we look to safety. Just having watched these vehicles in action I know that they are dangerous and the chance of serious injury is a definite possibility. But, like with every sport, accidents happen. Happens in Nascar, football, skydiving, ect. What happened was a terrible accident, but it was an accident. I disagree with cancelling the event and i mean no disrepect to the family. But I think the events should still go on. People, not just the fair council or the 4hr's have worked hard on getting ready for this derby and the atvs.
What i want to know, preferably soon, is how does this affect events at the fair next year?
August 4, 2010 at 2:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sittingeagle (anonymous) says...
do we all remember a few years back when they tried tearing our fair grounds down? we all pulled together as emporians and stopped it then but sines then what have we done to revitalize it.(a couple of fences and piles or rocks at each north and south entrance dosen't count) what was the point if of saving it .we emporinas don't pull together enough and make the governing body do what we want. we are the tax payers and the voting peoples who put them there so i feel they should be doing more for our community meeting spot i am constantly hearing on my scanner some local business asking for lot clears from the local pd because the kids have nothing better to do so thy hang out and talk why cant they hang out on the fair grounds why cant we as a community pull together and and have more community based events like i stated in other post
August 4, 2010 at 9:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
masonsha (anonymous) says...
i dont like pointing the finger but i think that the security guards at the mud a thon are part of the problem because this was one of my best friends that was kill and they had asked the security guards if it was ok to park there and the security said yes that it was fine to park there i think its mostly their fault
August 4, 2010 at 2:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
bobo22 (anonymous) says...
PURE speculation. Under no circumstances was the driver drinking, He has a wife & 2 wonderful children that were there with him. They are absolutely devastated by what has happened..
August 4, 2010 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ya_think (anonymous) says...
Rumors....Emporia is the queen city of rumors. Did you hear this or did you hear that?? Come on people...although it's obvious all the facts haven't been released why do people insist on spreading rumors?? And to point fingers is wrong too. I have lived here all my life and anymore i am almost ashamed to call it home. Bash me if you want but in reality who wants to call a rumor mill home??
This was a horrible accident. Could it have been prevented or not? Nobody knows. Only god knows why he does the things he does. I can relate to what the family is going through as I lost a teenager to a horrible accident also. My thoughts and prayers go out to this family.
As for cancelling the events...I agree with Henry. A moment of silence and let the show go on.
August 4, 2010 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (K. B. Thomas Jr.) says...
l think the reason it was called off because new security measures would be put in and this would enhance the gross neglence case and this gives new meaning to the name LYON.
August 4, 2010 at 10:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )