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Texas A&M Marks 20 Years Since Bonfire Collapse Killed 12

In this 2009 file photo, Texas A&M University medical student Cody Chambers stands at the Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial in College Station. Nov. 18 marks the 20th anniversary of the accident, in which the 59-foot tower of logs collapsed.
Dave Einsel
/
Associated Press
In this 2009 file photo, Texas A&M University medical student Cody Chambers stands at the Texas A&M Bonfire Memorial in College Station. Nov. 18 marks the 20th anniversary of the accident, in which the 59-foot tower of logs collapsed.

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.

bonfire collapse
Credit Pat Sullivan / Associated Press
/
Associated Press
Texas A&M students and rescue workers gather at the base of the collapsed bonfire stack as the search continues for victims in College Station Nov. 18, 1999.

The Eaglereports 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.