Services Planned for 47th Anniversary Commemoration of 1977 UE Plane Crash
Evansville, Ind. (12/04/2024) — On December 13, 1977, a chartered DC-3 plane crashed at 7:22 p.m., just 90 seconds after takeoff from Evansville's Dress Regional Airport. Members of the UE community soon learned that this plane included men's basketball Coach Bobby Watson, 14 players, 11 team friends, and a plane crew of five. For those who remember the crash, it's forever known as "the night it rained tears."
This event was a shocking loss to the UE community. At a memorial service held a few days later, Dr. Philip Ott, then-professor of philosophy and religion, said "we do not choose to live. We do not choose to die. Life is a gift."
Former UE President Wallace Graves reminded the community, "out of the agony of this hour we will rise."
While this tragedy will always be remembered, the University of Evansville came together in strength and unity to move forward and carry on as a tribute to those who were lost.
To commemorate the 47th anniversary and remember these lives, UE has planned a memorial service for 12 p.m., on Friday, December 13, that is open to the campus community and public.
The service will be held at Memorial Plaza on campus, located directly behind Olmsted Hall. The service will include an invocation and message by Reverend Andy Payton, remarks from President Pietruszkiewicz, the reading of all 29 names, and a moment of silence.
47 years later, we remember each life that was taken much too early.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
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Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer
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