Sugarland Fan Critically Injured at Indiana State Fair Returns Home
Through all the media scrutiny surrounding the pending lawsuit against Sugarland, a spark of positivity has surfaced. Nine months after the tragic Indiana State Fair stage collapse, which killed 7 and injured dozens on August 13, 2011, one of the most critically injured concert-goers is preparing to return home after an intense round of rehabilitation.
Andrea Vellinga of Pendleton, Ind. suffered severe head trauma after being struck by stage rigging which toppled as a result of high gusts of wind just before country duo Sugarland was expected to take the stage. In celebration of her 31st birthday — a day doctors didn’t expect Vellinga would live to see – a 5K Run and Walk will be held in her honor.
The event is scheduled for May 19 and registration is $25 (before May 17). The price includes an American Apparel T-shirt designed specifically for the race. The event will begin near the First Merchants Bank on State Street in Pendleton, with participants continuing Eastward along State Street towards Falls Park. The course will circle back to State Street, ending in front of Andrea’s house.
Despite the good news surrounding Vellinga, tension continues to mount in flame war between Sugarland and the victims of the tragic events. Blame has been placed on the band, their tour manager, the Indiana State Fair and the company that built the stage rigging, which was later found to be ill constructed and not up to code. A trial date in the matter has yet to be set.