Marching Band Bus Accident

As you know the AFHS band has been a big part of our family.  We were shocked and saddened to get the news that a bus carrying the marching band overturned. Heather Christensen, a band instructor, was killed.  The bus driver passed out and Heather took the wheel. She was thrown from the bus, but her actions are believed to have saved the lives of the students. 

Our family has had several encounters with Heather. Judd worked closely with her as a band member and this past summer he worked with her as a substitute staff member. Earlier this year Sadie got to know Heather as she was the director of the Wasatch Academy Color Guard, which Sadie participated in. As a parent I have always liked Miss Christensen, it is obvious that she really cares for her students.

One of our fond memories of our trip to New York with the band was sitting at a dinner table with Heather as she told us about a book she wanted to write. She had observed the personality traits of band members and had discovered that those playing certain instruments have certain personality traits. We laughed as she told us things like flute players are “girly girls” and trumpets have inflated egos. We had fun the remainder of the week watching the band and confirming Heather’s theory.

Judd and Chloe attended the memorial service at the high school. One of the things that impressed Judd was a student who said "it is a great honor to die for your friends, it is an even greater honor to live for them, Heather did both."