Local News

Iraan Cheer Bus Tragedy Brings Communities Together

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Tony Maples Photography

 

On December 9, more than 80 cheer squads from the state of Texas, including one from New Mexico, came to Abilene in support of the Iraan families that had been affected by an interstate accident the week prior involving an 18-wheeler and a bus carrying 6 varsity cheerleaders and 2 adult chaperones from the Iraan High School.

Iraan Cheer Bus Tragedy Brings Communities Together

Photo: Flickr/Giovanni Arteaga

After a win by the Iraan Braves during the Class 2A Division II high school football playoffs on December 2, the bus was hit by an 18-wheeler that had lost control trying to avoid a vehicle that stopped in front of it, crossing the interstate median. Elizabeth Pope, 52, booster club president, was killed in the crash. The driver and remaining passengers received varying injuries.

Iraan Cheer Bus Tragedy Brings Communities Together

Photo: Pexels

All six cheerleaders involved in the accident attended Friday’s state semifinal in Abilene. Teams and cheer squads quickly forgot old rivalries and offered support to Iraan after the tragedy. A barbecue dinner held in support of the Braves band, staff and chaperones by Abilene Cooper High band parents was just one of the many shows of encouragement, including halftime band selections that were favorites of Pope, an Iraan High School graduate. The extended outpouring of support from towns throughout the state has been overwhelming and appreciated.

Iraan Cheer Bus Tragedy Brings Communities Together

Photo: Flickr/Daniel X O’Neill

Prior to kick-off at the state semifinal, the Iraan-Sheffield School District offered a message of thanks which was read over the P.A. system, noting that the community had been “…blessed beyond measure…” by the show of support. At half-time, Skyrockets cheerleaders from Wellington High presented a check to their Iraan counterparts totaling more than $3,000 from a scholarship fund that was established in their name. Football and cheerleading families and community alike have been brought together by this tragedy, showing their capacity to love and provide support.