Ragnar Tragedy

[scottie]

I got this email a little while ago from Ragnar, not sure how wide the distro was:

Dear Ragnar Relay Runner,

As a Ragnar Series participant and part of the Ragnar family we would like to inform you of a tragic accident that occurred during the Ragnar Relay Las Vegas. The level of concern and support that Ragnar Relay participants from across the country have expressed has been overwhelming and we at Ragnar as well as his family are very grateful.

In the early morning hours of Saturday October 10th one of our participants, Jeremy Kunz of Kamas, was struck by an alleged drunk driver while providing support to a runner on his team. Police and Rescue responded quickly as did several Ragnar teams. Unfortunately Jeremy could not be resuscitated.

Many of you expressed interest in making a contribution to help support Jeremy's wife and three young children. There are now two ways to make a contribution to the family. First, you can visit the website www.jerandmin.com and click on the donate button on Jeremy's picture, or alternatively you can go to any Zions Bank and donate to the Jeremy Kunz Donation account.

This was Jeremy's 3rd Ragnar Relay. He had participated with his family in two Wasatch Back Ragnar Relays in addition to the Las Vegas Ragnar. His family wanted teams to know how much he loved these relays and that they are finding some comfort in the fact that he died doing something he loved.

We at Ragnar Relay feel tremendous sorrow for the family's loss. The level of concern and support other Ragnar participants have expressed has been very moving. Laurie Pratt (a Ragnar participant) expressed our feelings best.

"On the course we all look out for each other and feel a kinship that few may understand if they haven't personally experienced it".

Never have we seen this support and kinship more evident than at this time. Thank you all for your concern.

Also, please visit our Facebook site to read comments from the Kunz family and participants and post your own comments for his family to read. http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Ra...7589402?ref=ts

Our hearts and deepest sympathy go out to the family. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Photo is Jeremy and Melinda Kunz (wife) at the start line of the Ragnar Relay Las Vegas.

[Teenage Dirtbag]

That is sad.

Something like this was bound to happen. This sounds like it was the driver's fault, but I've noticed how people seem to completely forget about basic traffic safety when they run these relays. Running across Trapper's Loop to give a mouthful of water to a runner who already had a drink 5 minutes earlier, for instance. Or standing in the middle of the road and acting like cars will just have to go around you. Even some of the runners lollygag along in the middle of the road, their damn headphones on, completely oblivious to what's going on, and the roads aren't closed. I'm surprised more people haven't been hit.