News and events

 

FIFTH BASEBALL PLAYER DIES IN ATLANTA

Bluffton University student-athlete Zachary Arend (Oakwood, Ohio) died early this morning from injuries sustained in a March 2 bus accident in Atlanta, Ga. Information regarding funeral arrangements will be posted at www.bluffton.edu as they are made available.

"Another member of the Bluffton University family passed away this morning, adding to the tragic human toll of last week’s bus accident," said Bluffton University President James M. Harder. "We all grieve the loss of Zach Arend and ask for continuing prayers during this difficult time for his parents and family, as well as for all of Zach’s teammates."

At this time, four individuals remain hospitalized in Atlanta, one in critical condition.

The Bluffton University baseball team was on its way to Sarasota, Fla., to play in a doubleheader with Eastern Mennonite University before heading to Ft. Myers to participate in the Gene Cusic Classic. Four student-athletes, the bus driver and the bus driver’s wife were killed in the accident.

The deceased include Bluffton University students Zachary Arend (Oakwood, Ohio); Tyler Williams (Lima, Ohio); David Betts (Bryan, Ohio); Scott Harmon (Lima, Ohio) and Cody Holp (Arcanum, Ohio); the bus driver, Jerome Niemeyer, and his wife, Jean Niemeyer, both of Columbus Grove, Ohio.

Jill A. Duling, public relations office, 3/9/07