Dallas Cowboys indoor facility collapses during storm (UPDATED w/ video link)
by Dave Halprin on May 2, 2009 7:04 PM CDT
in News
107 comments
[UPDATE]: Latest from the AP, 12 injured needing hospitalization:
Ten of the injured were taken by emergency vehicles. Two others went to hospitals on their own.
"This worked out very, very well from a medical point of view," said Dr. Paul Pepe, head of emergency medical services for Dallas County. "Right now, I think we don't have anybody who is in a life-threatening situation."
[snip]
[Nick] Eatman was hit by something and went down a few feet away, then heard someone screaming for help. He recognized it was Todd Archer of The Dallas Morning News.
Eatman and colleague Josh Ellis tried freeing Archer but the structure wouldn't budge. "It was like a car," Eatman said. Then safety DeAngelo Smith and linebacker Brandon Williams were able to get it up just enough for Archer to squirm out.
Archer was OK afterward.
[UPDATE]: Five minute video of it happening and the aftermath.
[UPDATE]: The latest from the DMN blog:
A 33-year-old man was impaled by an object and was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas in critical condition.
Two people were in serious condition at Parkland, one with a head injury and another who suffered neck and back injuries. Another person was in serious condition at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas with an open leg fracture. The others suffered injuries that were not life threatening.
[UPDATE]: What I can gather from various sources.
- Joe Decamillis taken to the hospital in a neck-brace after suffering a neck injury.
- Brett Maxie has a laceration on his leg.
- Scout Chris Hall has multiple arm injuries after being trapped underneath part of the structure.
- A couple of players have minor injuries. Wade Phillips let us know that before he left to go to the hospital to see the condition of the injured.
[UPDATE]: From the DMN blog:
Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis was taken from Cowboys headquarters on a stretcher with a neck brace.
[UPDATE]: Story from the Star-Telegram with good details and pics.
This is very scary. From Tim MacMahon at the DMN blog:
The afternoon practice ended in horrifying fashion when the Cowboys' indoor facility collapsed.
While a violent thunderstorm pounded rain down on the roof, the lights started shaking back and forth. Then chaos broke out, as the facility collapsed and players, coaches, reporters and team personnel scrambled for safety.
Several people were trapped under the wreckage. Police and emergency personnel have arrived on the scene.
More to come.
UPDATE: According to a Cowboys spokesman, at least four members of the team's support staff are being taken to the hospital. All players and coaches are believed to be safe. Rescue personnel is still searching through the debris.
Let's hope that everybody is fine. I will update when I find more news.
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First?
Oh my. This could have been much worse.
by zapruder on May 2, 2009 4:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I've been watching it on the news.
Looks like a tornado went through there although they’re saying that’s not the case. Valley Ranch is completely destroyed. Raw footage showed some players with helmets still on running around looking for people who were trapped and trying to get their bearings. After watching it for a little while it donned on me that they were still on turf. Valley Ranch is totally destroyed.
by SLIDE 910 on May 2, 2009 4:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
injuries
Coach Joe DeCamillis taken out on a stretcher. Brett Maxie has a gash in his leg. Around 50 injuries according to TV news
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on May 2, 2009 4:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Where are you getting this news from?
Can we follow along?
by Dave Halprin on May 2, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is crazy..
WOW.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
by Wmillion on May 2, 2009 4:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Support staff
TV reports that most injuries are to Cowboys support staff and not players
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on May 2, 2009 4:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ST coach taken out on stetcher
that seems serious to me
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 2, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
with the neck brace..
agreed.
"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z
by Wmillion on May 2, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what a shame
lets hope Jerry had the new stadium built tornado proof.
In Romo we Trust
by Terry on May 2, 2009 4:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He did
roof supposed to withstand winds of 150 mpg.
by Rafael Vela on May 2, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's common sense dood
"if my kid said 'uhh' that much, i would say, Hey! ... stop saying 'uhh' that much..." - dennis miller
by Longhorn on May 2, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
1 serious injury
reported but not confirmed. It happened less than an hour ago, emergency crews still arriving
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on May 2, 2009 4:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
internet onscene chopper
http://a123.g.akamai.net/f/123/36796/5m/cbslocalimg.dayport.com/htm/DayPortCBSPlayer.html?categoryID=7,11,49,28,51,29,30,31,57,52,32,33,64,63,39,23&limit=10&articleID=4780@ktvt.dayport.com&adInsertionInterval=2&bannerAdConDefID=21&defaultPreviewImage=http%3A//cdn.dayport.com/vlnimg/img/PartnerPlayer/samplepreviewimage.jpg&domain=ktvt.dayport.com&imageDomain=cdn.dayport.com/ktvtimg&limit_default=10&conDefID=8&videoAdObjectID=20&logoAdConDefID=7&logoAdObjDefID=19&hitboxAccountID=DM53070347VD&hitboxDomain=cbs11tv.com&siteName=KTVT%20TV&callLetters=KTVT&isLiveStream=true&version=20071003
by AustonianAggie on May 2, 2009 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Why is this not on ESPN News or NFL Network?
Not to mention any of the news networks?
Um, provided everyone is okay, how soon before I can make a horrible joke?
by Baked Potato Soup on May 2, 2009 4:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wait like forever.
Go Pacquiao!
by Aaron Novinger on May 2, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dang
I hope everyone is going to be alright. What a way to welcome those kids from other parts of the country to tornado alley.
by cowboyz4ever on May 2, 2009 4:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope all can recover fully
Oddly, this is the kind of event that can pull a team closer together
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on May 2, 2009 4:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
62, 79, 69, 66
Film shows these guys and maybe 1 or 2 others in the building trying to help others out
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on May 2, 2009 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
“A witness on the scene told Mosley that players and coaches raced back into the facility to try and locate people that may have been trapped.”
That’s what you hope to see from your team in a situation like this.
Larry Allen benched 700 pounds. That is Leonard Davis times two.
by Tim Wilson on May 2, 2009 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just showed some footage
on NBC derby coverage…..looked pretty hard hit. Everyone will be very lucky if there are no serious injuries.
by cowboyz4ever on May 2, 2009 4:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
DeCamillis was dazed and in the building not the dome when the emergency crew fround him
then they put him on a stretcher, kind of odd
by quincyyyyy on May 2, 2009 4:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully a 'better safe than sorry' precaution.
by GalTex on May 2, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Anyone who is dazed, should be taken out by stretcher, as a precautionary procedure.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on May 2, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sounds like head injury, concussion
not good, but at least he’s getting attention immediately.
by scottmaui on May 2, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, the latest update says neck injury
But he was moving his arms and legs
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on May 2, 2009 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like they were really lucky no one killed
I hope those injured will be alright.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on May 2, 2009 4:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Wade Phillips says that DeCamillis sustained a neck injury.
But was moving his hands and was talking.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on May 2, 2009 4:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Parkland Hospital said there were 10 injuries
but it doesn’t sound like anything serious
by quincyyyyy on May 2, 2009 4:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks BPS
Fox News showed the local affiliate footage.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on May 2, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does everyone have news coverage now?
"He has a peculiar felicity of expression." John Adams
by Jim Vance on May 2, 2009 5:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn...
Watching video of players and coaches trying to pull people out from under the structure.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on May 2, 2009 5:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
On Fox News.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on May 2, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They were literally cutting the canvas to pieces
And people were crawling out from underneath.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on May 2, 2009 5:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That is crazy
I’m glad everyone is ok as far as we know.
by DoomsdayD75 on May 2, 2009 5:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
CNN was showing a lot of footage earlier...
This is horrific. You guys are in my prayers. And everybody that lives in that area, be easy……Hopefully all these injuries are minor and it’s just a precaution that they went to the hospital….
"They need security in the world, Craig!"
by Tuna Helper on May 2, 2009 5:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
CNN is back on the story now
showing footage as the collapse happened
by scottmaui on May 2, 2009 6:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
WFAA Just reported
8 total injured. One in critical condition. That person was impaled by a metal beam.
So...why is John Hart still being paid?
by Texasportsfan on May 2, 2009 6:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Bizarre
Being a Cowboys fan is never dull. Was anyone really shocked when Emmitt was nearly injured by Crazy Ray driving a golf cart without due care? Business as usual for Big D.
by I_miss_Switzer on May 2, 2009 6:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Oops
critical injury makes my glib post kind of ill timed – sorry.
by I_miss_Switzer on May 2, 2009 6:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
news conference happening now on CNN
or well it looks like it’s ending, but they’ll probably go back and show it since they cut in just as it was ending.
by scottmaui on May 2, 2009 6:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Sad day
"We play to win the game" - Herm Edwards
by nicholas.rodriguez on May 2, 2009 6:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
This happened last August at ASU
thankfully nobody was inside it when it happened…
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/2008/08/29/20080829spt-asububble-ON.html
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on May 2, 2009 6:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I have been away
from tv and computer all day so I just heard about this a little bit ago. I hope everyone is OK.
by troysboys on May 2, 2009 7:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You guys in the Dallas area, keep us posted
We’re not getting much news up here (Virginia)
by BishopWest on May 2, 2009 7:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
My thoughts are with the families of the injured
and the entire Cowboy family. Too many time I’ve hoped my energy from nearby or far away would help the team in tough times. But that was during a football game.
This is life, I hope those that are injured are getting the care they need. Those that were there are getting the comfort they need.
Amazing 1st person story by Todd Archer on getting pinned by debris and freed by some players. Hope all others turn out so well
'It is not enough for me to win. My enemies must lose' - David Merrick
by tdships on May 2, 2009 8:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not much to update here
I’m in the Dallas area and we’ve been getting heavy storms all day, but the local TV stations are carrying NASCAR races and other crap, so no live updates. I’ll post in here if I see something of interest on the 9:00 news.
"So you can’t stiff arm at all? What about the throat?"- Marion "Barbarian" Barber
by DC_fan on May 2, 2009 8:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Eatman, J.Ellis, D-LO, and B. Williams.
Go Pacquiao!
by Aaron Novinger on May 2, 2009 8:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The press conference said nobody critically injured - they were lucky
From a players perspective, also so very lucky no players with more than nicks…
Thank God … given the size of that roof, and the number of people underneath, it’s amazing nobody was more seriously injured. The video shows players still on the turf when it collapsed!
Funny piece in the 5 minute video: #61 (?) hugging a post!
I’ll echo Aaron – kudos to D-LO and B. Williams … I didn’t catch what Ellis and Eatman were up to.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... top 5 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 2, 2009 8:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He was hugging the post maybe because he feared it was a tornadoe
by quincyyyyy on May 2, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh, no doubt... they measured 64 mph, a low tornado is 65, you telling me it didn't hit 65 to flatten that structure?
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... top 5 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 2, 2009 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rookies
as a group just got their nickname.
Storm Troopers.
If that is not politically correct, bite me.
Keep doing what you been doing, keep getting what you been getting.
by OskieOskie on May 2, 2009 8:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Storm Troopers is perfect
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... top 5 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 2, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They've already worked as a team in a dire situation.
Go Pacquiao!
by Aaron Novinger on May 2, 2009 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tangent question:
I’m glad to see the rookies being helpers.
I have a question though:
Does anyone know if Raf or anyone else has turned bloggingtheboys into an igoogle widget? Because they have id love to subscribe so i don’t have to keep rechecking all the time for updates.
Come on jerry dont let me down
by yesAlanTuring on May 2, 2009 9:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
There is an RSS Feed
that you can follow with any newsreader. I think there is an RSS newsfeed widget.
by JimmyJohnson on May 2, 2009 9:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks a bunch
Come on jerry dont let me down
by yesAlanTuring on May 2, 2009 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Something very disturbing to me.........
Since this happened today, i have been all over the net trying to read all i could about what happened and ive noticed a disturbing trend. A lot of people leaving comments on other blogs and web sites are making light of the whole situation. Mostly fans from other teams that obviously hate the cowboys. I just think its sad. Its even more sad that im not surprised by it at all.
by TARHEEL PAUL on May 2, 2009 9:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm surprised...
not that Cowboy haters are making light of a very serious situation, I’m surprised they haven’t made it over to this blog. I’ve seen people saying the Cowboys got their collapse out of the way early etc. This was a very dangerous situation and we were VERY lucky that more people didn’t get hurt. My prayers go out to all the people who were hurt and their families.
As far as the rookies and coaches go, I hope they take this situation and use it to come closer as a team. Hopefully this makes all of us realize that this is just a game and there are things way more important in life. It was great to see that the players were able to keep their heads about them and were trying to help people who needed it. I know Jerry made a point this year to draft high character players, and today that character pierced the thunderclouds surrounding the DFW area and shed a little light on a horrible situation.
Speedy recovery (both mentally and physically) to everyone involved. God Bless.
by TK19 on May 2, 2009 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well said. Totally agree.
Thoughts and prayers for all involved. Well done rookies.
by oldboysfan on May 3, 2009 6:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are now our official spokesperson ... eloquently stated.
by GalTex on May 3, 2009 6:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're demoting Grizz?
(who’s gonna break it to him?)
… great post TK … reminds us all that Football is just a game.
Wishing a speedy recovery to Joe and Rich and the rest of the injured.
Tar Heels = National Champs in Basketball ... top 5 in Baseball ... Top 10 this year in Football?
by DalaiLuke on May 3, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For what it's worth
As a new member over on Big Blue View, i needed to atleast let you know that not all people are taking this lightly. I was horrified by the 5 minute footage and could only imagine what was going through their minds. As a member of another forum based site (not BBV) there were a few ill advised comments, which i posted in return of strong opposition to.
It’s one thing to bad mouth a rival during competition or etc…, but this was about humanity. I don’t find any humor when the possibility of a loss could occur. I’m under the impression that those comments, are coming from just a few bad apples of any fan base and don’t represent what the majority think.
So from a Giants fan, my thoughts are with you.
by Hootman on May 4, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Think about how other tragic events motivated teams in the past
just to mention a few…..
New Orleans – Katrina
Washington – Sean Taylor
New York Jets – Dennis Byrd
Today’s event doesn’t measure the magnitude of these examples……but I’m quite certain that it will provide the Dallas players with some motivation to prove themselves as over-comers.
The special teams players may kick it up another notch just to show some love to Coach DeCamillis.
by BishopWest on May 2, 2009 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Just heard
on the local ABC affiliate here in DFW that the critically injured coach has a broken back, no word on who the coach is. As well as 13 others injured, most being released from Las Colinas Hospital earlier.
by Thehomerpimpson on May 2, 2009 10:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure its not DeCammillis........
He was talking on his cell phone as he was being put the ambulance. But man, i really hope thats not true about anyone breaking there back. Not just our coaches and players but anyone. Not even Ed Werder.
by TARHEEL PAUL on May 2, 2009 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was but he is not paralyzed from what I have read
he broke a few vertebrae, but is not paralyzed which is lucky as hell
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=7488529
by quincyyyyy on May 2, 2009 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hope he heals ok
My fiancee fractured a couple vertabrae after getting dragged down on a patch of ice a few months back.. She has to wear a back brace up until the wedding in July. Rough injury to deal with.
by NerdVernacular on May 2, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what could she possibly have done to make you drag her down on a patch of ice????
kidding of course.
by TARHEEL PAUL on May 2, 2009 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hehe
some geezer dragged her down in a parking lot.. If it were me, I would have dropped an elbow.
by NerdVernacular on May 2, 2009 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that would do the trick..
And maybe a little Ric Flair showboatin’, followed by another elbow..
by NerdVernacular on May 2, 2009 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
awesome. Might as well throw in a figure four just for good measure.......
at least make her tap out first.
by TARHEEL PAUL on May 2, 2009 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's an update via the DMN blog
As quincyyyy said, Coach DeCamilis broke several vertabrae
Special teams coach Joe DeCamillias suffered broken vertrebrae in his back during the collapse of the Cowboys’ indoor facility, his father-in-law Dan Reeves told Todd Archer.
And here’s some info on other Cowboys personnel:
No players were seriously injured in the collapse, which happened about 3:30 p.m., but three other Cowboys personnel remain hospitalized: assistant athletic trainer Greg Gaither, who suffered a broken leg, college scouting coordinator Chris Hall, whose arm was injured, and scouting assistant Rich Behm, who was in critical condition with unspecified injuries.
I hope for the best for Rich Behm.
"So you can’t stiff arm at all? What about the throat?"- Marion "Barbarian" Barber
by DC_fan on May 2, 2009 10:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Heard that some cameramen were up in the roof, filming practice from above,
apparently a common practice (for practice), to analyze the players later.
They got the worst of the deal and had a pretty scary time coming down.
VERY luky no one died during this, or that more weren’t severely injured like Coach D. A blow to the head could have been horrible.
Earlier reports mentioned someone ‘impaled’, maybe that’s Behm?
by Realist Larry on May 2, 2009 10:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Talk about close calls
DeCamillis, I hope heals up alright. That’s scary.
Training Camp '09 = Mega Thunder Dome....80 men enter, 53 men leave.
by APerfectStar on May 2, 2009 10:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Very
glad to hear that everyone made it out alive. Hope Coach DeCamillis heals quickly, and I know football isn’t important when this stuff happens, but reading that the rookies stepped in and helped guys get out …. awesome stuff.
This suit is NOT black!!
by what_the_crap on May 2, 2009 11:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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