On a fateful November evening in 1970, a chartered Boeing 727 carrying the Marshall University football team collided with a hillside near Tri-State Airport in Huntington, West Virginia. This horrific tragedy claimed the lives of 75 people, including players, coaches, staff, boosters, and aviation personnel.
Who was supposed to be on that fateful flight?
The doomed plane was a tightly packed bundle of hopes and dreams. It carried:
- 37 Thundering Herd football players: The heart of the team, fresh from a thrilling season and dreaming of greater things.
- 8 football staff members: Coaches, trainers, and other essential personnel who fueled the team’s performance.
- 25 athletics boosters: Loyal fans who had invested in the team’s success and were eager to celebrate their achievements.
- Two pilots: Experienced and skilled aviators who unfortunately could not avert the disaster.
- Two flight attendants: Dedicated professionals who were caught in the crossfire of this unimaginable event.
- The charter coordinator: Responsible for organizing the travel arrangements and ensuring the team’s safety.
The devastating impact
The loss of the Marshall football team was a devastating blow to the university and the entire community. The team had become a symbol of resilience and pride, and their sudden absence left a void that would take years to fill. The tragedy also brought national attention to the issue of airline safety regulations and the need for better weather reporting.
A legacy of remembrance
The Marshall University tragedy remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in American history. To honor the victims and their families, the university established the “Marshall Flight 35 Memorial” and the “Thundering Herd Memorial Stadium.” The annual “Marshall Football Scholarship Fund” also raises money to support student athletes in their pursuit of academic and athletic excellence.
The Marshall University football team has never fully recovered from the loss of its beloved players and coaches. But the team’s spirit and determination live on, fueled by the memory of those who were lost and the unwavering support of the community.
