MEDIA ADVISORY: University of Evansville to Hold 48th Anniversary Commemoration of 1977 Plane Crash
Evansville, Ind. (12/09/2025) — Media Advisory from University of Evansville.
WHO: President Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz, University Chaplain Rev. Andy Payton, members of the UE Men's Basketball Team, campus community and public attendees.
WHAT: Memorial service marking the 48th anniversary of the University of Evansville plane crash.
WHEN: 12:00 p.m. CST on Friday, December 12, 2025. (Service held one day early this year as December 13 falls on a Saturday.)
WHERE: Memorial Plaza, located behind Olmsted Administration Hall on the University of Evansville main campus.
DETAILS: On December 13, 1977, a chartered DC-3 crashed just 90 seconds after takeoff from Evansville's Dress Regional Airport, claiming 29 lives, including men's basketball coach Bobby Watson, 14 players, 11 friends of the team, and five crew members. Remembered as "the night it rained tears," the tragedy left a lasting mark on the University and broader community. Each year, UE comes together each year to honor those who died, reflecting on their lives and the legacy they left behind. This year's memorial service will feature an invocation by University Chaplain Reverend Andy Payton, remarks from President Pietruszkiewicz, the reading of all 29 names, and a moment of silence. The service is open to the public.
MEDIA CONTACT
Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer
na122@evansville.edu
812-893-5319
University of Evansville
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