Responding to Loss in a Frontier State

Frances Price • Anne Bunn

On September 16, 2001, just 5 days after 9/11, eight University of Wyoming athletes were killed in a motor vehicle accident. As the University was responding to the needs of its community in reaction to the events of 9/11, it had to quickly shift to dealing with a tragic loss in its own neighborhood. As the only 4-year university or college in a frontier state of less than half a million people, the loss of 8 athletes in a single event sent shock waves through an already stunned population. It seemed that few in the statewide community were untouched by this event. The presenters will discuss how they responded to the University athletic community, and their on-going treatment of those who remain traumatized by this loss.