Annual memorial honors 31 killed in WSU football plane crash

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — On Tuesday morning, people gathered at Wichita State University’s Memorial 70 to remember the 31 killed in a plane crash 54 years ago.

The gold plane was carrying members, staff and supporters of the football team to a game against Utah State University when it crashed on a mountain near Silver Plume, Colorado.

As part of the ceremony, victims’ names were read, a wreath was placed, and music was performed.

Eric Grooms and Nancy Grooms-Rawls’ parents, John and Etta Mae, were boosters killed in the crash. Nancy talked about what the service means.

“It has been really healing for me,” Grooms-Rawls said. “Because we were so young that we were very isolated from it. Once we got old enough to be included in this with other people who would understand and going through it too, it changed everything. It has been strengthening and wonderful to meet these people and to see the strength they have in their lives.”

Steve Hart and Gail Wadsworth also attended the ceremony to remember their first cousin Ronnie Johnson, a WSU football player.

“Well, I think it really helps, you know, we get to see some of the people that Ronnie knew and their families, and you know, it’s just a healing process, and the music today was so memorable. Wow, very touching, but it all helps,” Steve Hart said.

A scholarship at WSU is dedicated to the memory of those who died in the tragedy. To donate, click here.

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