Sean Adams`

[Gfarrington]

I feel like this goes in with Sam's post but should also warrant it's own thread since this is a story that bears repeating from time to time:

The following is from David "Stick" Williams:


This is a note to let everone know first hand what happened in
Nashville. To begin with.. it had been raining off and on all day, with very little
thunder.. if any.. it's a bit hard to recall right now. We, Chain, had already
played a game to 15 with Full Tilt.. without even noticing the weather.


We then played VooDoo from Knoxville.. the game was tied at twos when
it began to rain.. again. A strip call stopped play. I raised my hand, turned
to face the rest of the the field and called out that the stall was going to
start on five. I said 3,2, saw a flash of light in the middle of the field.
It hit my right forearm.. which was raised to check the disc in. The force
knocked me about 20 feet away. It felt like someone poured gasoline into my arm
and lit it on fire. I got up and ran to the concession area to get someone to
call 911. I was laid on the ground nearly in shock. But thanks to Warren
from Huntsville for keeping me calm. I found out a few minutes later that
others were hit.


Sean was believed to have been hit directly. He died instanatly.
Carmen was standing beside Sean. She took the full impact also. When David
Goode and Woody Blackwell got to her she wasn't breathing. They carried her to
Tina Trabert's Explorer, gave CPR and took her to the hospital. Others did
CPR on Sean until EMTs arrived and took over. He never really stood a
chance. Bruce (Knoxville), Bob Hickey, Donovan (Huntsville) and Scott Cathey were
all hit in the head. They suffered temporary memory loss. All memory returned
except the few minutes around the time of the strike.


The shock I took was probably the most painful thing I will ever
experience. But I am fine now. I have no visible sign of ever being struck (exit
for a small exit burn on my inner thigh). The bolt didn't even singe the
hair on my arm. It feels like I've had a serious forearm workout and wrist
cramp.


This is one experience I will never forget. I feel for Sean. At least he died
doing the thing he loved most.


I wasn't sure I should write this but I thought everyone should know
what happened exactly. Fred Baes described it perfectly: "It was like a
grenade exploded and sent people flying." Earlier Sean had told Fred he was
having the time of his life. Carmen had said nearly the same thing only 10
minutes before the game started.


The support we all recieved was overwhelming. No one left Nashville
until they found out some kind of info. I would like to thank everyone who tried
to save Sean's life. And those people whose quick thinking may save the life
of Carmen.


I would like to thank the players of Nashville who are giving their
all, right now, to help the players and family who are there tending to Carmen.
It is very moving to see the response the whole Ultimate community has
given. We are truly one big family.


One last thing that's worth noting. Before the game Stu Downs and
Sean traded shirts to separate darks and light. On the shirt Sean gave to Stu was
written: "Life's too short.. play Ultimate."


Stick.






Be safe. Be smart. Ultimate will still be around after the weather has left!

[Samantha]

Lightning is scary, and that makes me sad. I knew the story, but hadn't read it like this before.

Thanks for sharing, Grant.

[Papa Bear]

I'm glad to see Stick's legacy carry on as well. That guy was awesome.