[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1096]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



               THE OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY PLANE CRASH

  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, tragedy struck my State, as members of 
the Oklahoma State basketball team and news organizations were killed 
in a tragic plane crash just outside of Denver.
  Of course any plane crash is not anticipated, but this was especially 
painful and tragic because it snuffed out the lives of 10 outstanding 
individuals, who were well known on campus and throughout the state. 
Two team members were killed. They were outstanding athletes.
  Eight other individuals that were on the plane were a part of the 
team in various capacities and it is a real tragedy, a tragedy to our 
State and to our university.
  Today there is a memorial service taking place at Oklahoma State 
University to memorialize these 10 exceptional individuals.
  One of the individuals was Nate Fleming. His sister served as an 
intern in my office. He was a nephew of one of my best friends and an 
outstanding athlete. Nate was a National Honor Society member and 
valedictorian of his class. He was only 20 years old.
  Another team member, Daniel Lawson, 21, was a junior and played 
guard. He was originally from Detroit, Michigan. Another was Pat Noyes, 
27. Pat was director of basketball operations at Oklahoma State 
University.
  Brian Luinstra, 29, the athletic trainer, leaves a wife and two 
children.
  Will Hancock, 31, was in his fifth year as coordinator of media 
relations. His wife, Karen, is the coach of the OSU women's soccer team 
and they had their first child just this last November.
  Jared Weiberg, 22, was a student manager and nephew of the Big 12 
commissioner, Kevin Weiberg. Jared was a part of the team and will most 
certainly be missed by all.
  Bill Teegins, 48, was the play-by-play voice of the Oklahoma State 
University Cowboys for many seasons and was sports director for Channel 
9 in Oklahoma City. He was honored several times as sportscaster of the 
year. He was known by everyone across the state and needless to say, he 
did an outstanding job.
  Kendall Durfey, 38, was a producer and engineer for the OSU radio 
network. Denver Mills, the pilot, from Oklahoma City, was well liked 
and was a great aviator.
  Bjorn Falistrom was the copilot, originally from Sweden.
  This is a real loss for their families, for Oklahoma State 
University, for Oklahoma and the nation. The contributions these 
individuals made to the State and to the University will always be 
remembered. We extend our condolences to Coach Sutton and to President 
James Halligan and the extended family of Oklahoma State University. It 
is with deep sadness that we extend our prayers to their families, and 
to their friends in mourning such a great loss. Certainly, they will be 
missed.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The Chair thanks the Senator from 
Oklahoma for his eloquent statement.

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