SPORTS

Texas A&M marks 20 years since bonfire collapse killed 12

Staff Writer

Austin American-Statesman

FILE - In this Nov. 18, 1999 file photo, a body is carried from the pile of toppled lumber that was to be the traditional Texas A&M bonfire in College Station, Texas. More than 1,000 people gathered at a memorial, Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, to honor those who died 20 years ago when the tower of logs collapsed at the university. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan, File)

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (AP) — More than 1,000 people have attended a memorial to honor the 12 people who died when a tower of logs collapsed at Texas A&M University 20 years ago.

The Eagle reports that the ceremony Monday at the university’s Bonfire Memorial featured performances of “Spirit of Aggieland,” “Amazing Grace” and “The Aggie War Hymn.”

Eleven university students and one former student died on Nov. 18, 1999, when a 40-foot bonfire structure holding about 5,000 logs collapsed. Twenty-seven other students were injured.

Janice Kerlee, the mother of a student who died, said those who died were “extraordinary young people” known for their smiles and love for people.

Texas A&M President Michael K. Young says he hopes Monday’s ceremony brings solace to the loved ones of those who died.