A tragedy at Lifest

I made an appearance at the outdoor Christian music festival Lifest this evening, to catch some performances with a group of high schoolers from St. John's who were camping out there.

It was a beautiful night out, but it was hard to get into the music - just as I was arriving (although I wouldn't know until hours later), a young girl fell to her death on a giant swing thrill ride. The reports are still coming in, but it sounds as though she and another rider were hoisted up by the crane, but when they pulled the ripcord, there was a snapping sound and the girl fell. The other rider remained suspended.

Many reports indicated that the fall was nearly 100 feet, which would make sense if the fall happened when the ripcord was pulled, at the top of the ride. Other reports are giving the height at 40-50 feet - a terrible fall, regardless.

I feel terrible for everyone involved - what a horrible accident. Please remember the victim's family and friends, as well as those who witnessed her fall, in your prayers tonight.