When Tragedy Hits Home

Lima, Ohio, isn’t a big city. Some who visit the blue-collar municipality of about 45,000 in the northwest section of the state don’t call it a city at all. Two malls, a couple of movie theaters and a popular hamburger joint called Kewpee’s. To the everyday traveler cruising up and down I-75, that’s all he’ll ever notice about the place. But for me, it’s a whole lot more. Lima is my second home. My mom was born there. Many of my favorite childhood memories involve a slice of pizza or a summer camp crush and take place right off Eureka Street or Dingledine Avenue. My grandma, aunt and cousins are still there. We have a family reunion planned there in less than five months.

But right now, my home away from home is enduring a hurt you don’t wish upon your worst enemy. Two of its most promising sons, Tyler Williams and Scott Harmon, died in that tragic March 2 Atlanta bus crash involving the Bluffton University baseball team. Though I didn’t personally know either of the young men, I’m certain our families crossed paths regularly. (Williams, in fact, was eulogized by my great uncle at the same church I was baptized.) This sad story has shaken the nation. Just imagine the effect it’s having on Lima, Elida, Bluffton and other tightly-knit corners of Northwestern Ohio.

While prayers for the Williams and Harmon families (teammates David Betts and Cody Holp and bus driver Jerome Niemeyer, and his wife, Jean, were also killed) are essential right now, there’s more that can be done to help in the healing. A fund has been established at Citizens National Bank for the Bluffton student-athletes involved in the crash. Contributions can be made by check payable to Bluffton University and mailed to Citizens National Bank, 102 S. Main Street, Bluffton, Ohio 45817. Please note "Baseball Team" in the check’s memo line. Credit card contributions can be made by calling 419-358-3324 during the university’s business hours. Funds will be available to the players and their families.

Bluffton University thanks you.

The families thank you.

Lima, Ohio, thanks you.

I thank you.