Huntington, W.Va. – On Saturday, Marshall University held its annual Memorial Fountain ceremony to honor the 75 individuals who perished in the 1970 plane crash that claimed the lives of the university’s football team, coaches, supporters and crew. The event marked the 56th anniversary of the disaster, a day that still shapes the campus and the broader Huntington community.
Remembering the fallen
During the solemn ceremony, each of the 75 names was read aloud while a white rose was placed at the fountain. After the last rose was set, the water was turned off for the remainder of the winter, a tradition that symbolizes the day Marshall’s world stopped and serves as a promise to keep the stories of the victims alive.
Personal testimony from a survivor
Jeff Heath, the keynote speaker, was 19 when the crash took both of his parents and his godparents. He recalled the moment he learned of the tragedy: “I was at a gathering with friends when I heard the plane had crashed. I rushed toward the airport, but state troopers turned me away. Suddenly, my parents were deceased.” Heath described the sudden responsibility he assumed for his three younger siblings, saying, “I had to take over the responsibility of my family and raise three children.” He credited the people of Huntington for helping his siblings move forward, noting the community’s unwavering support in the aftermath.
Community reflections
Jarrod Call, president of the 75 Family Alumni Chapter, emphasized how the tragedy continues to shape Marshall’s identity. “It’s part of who we are here at the university,” Call said. “The community around us spoke to that time, and they still continue to be there each and every year. It’s a reminder of how impactful that was in magnitude and what it means to be family.”
Football game adds meaning
The ceremony coincided with Marshall’s football game against Appalachian State. Head coach Tony Gibson noted that playing on the anniversary gave the contest added meaning for the team, linking the present‑day athletes to the legacy of those who never got the chance to play.
Continuing the legacy
Beyond the ceremony, the university and local organizations continue to support the families of the victims through scholarships, memorial events and community outreach. The Memorial Fountain remains a focal point for remembrance, drawing alumni, current students, families and residents each year to reflect on loss, resilience, and the enduring bonds of the Marshall community.
As the water remains still through the winter months, the promise is clear: the memory of the 75 will not fade, and the spirit of togetherness that emerged from tragedy will continue to guide Huntington and Marshall University for generations to come.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
