Washburn files lawsuit

Washburn University has released a statement claiming they are in pursuit of a lawsuit against Moto Construction Company for the damages done to Whiting Fieldhouse on November 16.

Curtis Conley, a crane operator for Moto Construction, had a heart attack while lifting a statue onto the rooftop of Whiting Fieldhouse causing the hoist of the crane and the statue to be fall into the northeast side of the building.

At this moment, Washburn has estimated its’ total cost for repairs to be $2.3 million.

“We are just devastated by this loss but mostly because it could have been avoided,” said Michael Wilhoite, Washburn University spokesperson.

Moto Construction released the information that Conley had experienced previous health issues that should have prevented him from operating heavy machinery.

At this time Moto Construction declined to comment on the lawsuit.

There have been six deaths total in regard to this incident.

“This should have been a pretty standard procedure,” said Wilhoite. “We had been reassured by different members of Moto Construction that this was a simple movement and would take less than 30 minutes. Now, there has been a life time’s worth of damages to those who have lost a loved one.”

Although a lawsuit seems plausible to Washburn administration, some students disagree.

“It was an accident and I think everyone involved understands that,” said Inspiron Plate, sophomore at Washburn University. “Although it is tragic and very unfortunate, no one knew the operator was going to have a heart attack. I just feel the lawsuit is a little extreme at this junction.”

Others, however, feel it is most appropriate at this time.

“We need to have a call to action,” said Kate Hampson, Director of University Relations. “We are expected to do something. We have a newly renovated building nearly destroyed due to an incident that could have easily been prevented.”

The lawsuit will seek monetary benefits for the Washburn campus and those who lost a loved one.

“We are just trying to right a wrong that was done but this is no way lessens our sympathy toward the crane operator’s family,” said Hampson. “We understand they lost a loved one too, it was all just bad timing.”

Press Release: Washburn suing Moto Construction

Contact Information:
Jill Lira
1801 SW Jewell Ave
Topeka, Kan. 66618
w: 785-670-0000
c: 785-555-5555jlira@wupr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 20, 2010

TOPEKA, KS- Following the new information regarding Curtis Conley, the crane operator for Moto Construction, Washburn is taking legal action in regards the incident that occurred at Whiting Field House on campus Nov. 16, 2010.

Washburn believes this is an appropriate step to take in an effort to prevent this from reoccurring again or at other campuses.

“We feel as though this is an important step to take in hopes to prevent any event similar to this to happen again,” said President of Washburn Jerry Farley. “There were prior incidents that in the crane operator’s medical history that should have revoked his privileges to operate heavy machinery. We feel in the wrong and feel as though this could have been prevented.”

Washburn has estimated the damages to be at $2.6 million at this point in time. No other event of this magnitude has occurred at Washburn and by filing a law suit, no future events due to this cause will occur again.

Archive: Schurig to be enshrined in copper

A man’s greatest accomplishments may occur when he is immortalized in a statue, for Craig Schurig this accomplishment is becoming a reality.

On Thursday November 16, a statue of Schurig will be placed on the north east corner of Whiting Field House as a reminder for his time as head football coach at Washburn University.

“Coach Shurig has implemented a lot of traditions that will be remembered forever here at Washburn,” said Jerry Farley, President of Washburn. “Having a statue of him is very important to Washburn athletics and to our community.”

Although Schurig felt like he was making a difference, he never thought a statue would be placed on campus in his honor.

“I am completely at a loss for words,” said Schurig. “I have loved coaching at Washburn, it has been a great honor and I cannot wait to take the future head on and see what our program can do.”

Schurig has been the head football coach for eight seasons. While under Schurig, the Ichabod football program has made improvements to Yager Stadium. There is now an artificial turf and there have been several equipment upgrades in the weight room.

“There have been several changes and renovations that have occurred under my coaching term,” said Schurig. “I feel like they have really brought our team and community together.”

In the summer of 2009, the Ichabods moved into a renovated football locker room and a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning center in a renovated Whiting Fieldhouse as part of a $7 million project.

“Having proper facilities is a huge to deal to any program,” said Schurig. “We love our new home in Whiting.”

Due to the importance of Whiting Fieldhouse’s involvement in particular with the football team, members of the football booster club thought it was the most sentimental location for his statue.

“So many changes have happened on campus under Schurig,” said Yo Yo Mann, president of Washburn’s football booster club. “We just felt as though it would be a great location that would help him be remembered even more.”

Donations were given for the statue from the members of the booster club as well as previous alum. The statue cost $73,000.

“If you have ever been to a game, Coach Schurig can get pretty into it,” said Ronald McDowellize, senior linebacker. “There is a specific look he gives and he always points his finger. To have that be the pose of the statue is perfect.”

There will be an unveiling ceremony Friday morning at 9 a.m. to the public.

“To have a statue was enough but a ceremony will really get to me,” said Schurig. “I am proud to be an Ichabod.”

Farley releases letter of sympathy

Washburn and Topeka community,

The events that have ensued the past few hours have unveiled a great tragedy to Washburn University and the Topeka community.

On behalf of Washburn University, myself, the students, staff and faculty express the sincerest sympathy for those families directed affected by the tragedy.

At this time, workers are searching the rubble in hopes of rescuing any persons who may be trapped under debris. We are asking all to stay clear of Whiting Field House as a precaution for the building possibly being unstable The university will continue to update the community as soon as new information is availible.

After debris is cleared and all persons are accounted for, there will be an evaluation of the building’s stability as well as a damage assessment. Until we can complete these items, there will be no classes held in Whiting.

Other arrangements have been made for students and faculty with classes or offices in Whiting Field House.

Our thoughts are with the families who have lost and are missing a loved one.

Sincerely,

Jerry Farley

Timely Notification Bulletin

Timely Notification Bulletin

**Thursday, November 16th, 2010 **

In compliance with the “Timely Notice” provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Police and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998 the Washburn University Police Department is advising the campus community of:

** Building Collapse **

Reported:

On Thursday November 16^th, 2010 at approximately 4:45 P.M. the hoist of a crane being used to lift a statue onto Whiting Fieldhouse fell in the Northeast side of the building causing severe damage to the building.

All persons are to stay away from Whiting. The building is in the process of being evacuated.

For information on students, staff or faculty, please call (785) 673-1482.

All drives on the east side of campus are being blocked to all persons entering campus.
Submitted by: C. Enos, WUPD
Target: Students, Faculty & Staff
Date: Thursday, November 16^th 2010

Crane operator suffered heart attack

A crane’s hoist boom used by Moto Construction to help move a statue of Craig Schurig, Washburn’s head football coach, onto the roof of Whiting fell into the northeast side of the building at 4:45 pm today.

The crane’s operator, Curtis Conley, suffered a heart attack while operating the crane.

At this point, there have been three reported fatalities including Conley.

The type of crane used was a Crawler-Mounted Latticework Boom Crane. The hoist boom, which carries whatever object is being raised, is operated manually to move up or down or to extend. The hoist boom is what fell into the building.

Conley had been a crane operator for 25 years and worked for Moto Construction for 20 years.

“Joe was a great man and it is sad that he passed that way but I know he would want our focus to be on helping other people get to safety,” said John Moto, owner of Moto Construction.

Dr. Jerry Farley, Washburn’s president, has urged all students and members of the community to stay clear of Whiting while crews search for people.

“It is a great tragedy,” said Farley. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family but this tragedy may not be over. Our recovery crews are working diligently and hurriedly to help anyone who may have been the path of the crane.”

Jack Jackson, a Washburn sophomore, saw the crane run into Whiting. He ran to a help phone located south of Stoffer Science Hall at the west end of the parking lot to make the Washburn police aware.

“I just knew it was not good, I had no idea the crane operated had a heart attack, all I knew was that I needed to get help,” said Jackson.

At this point The Washburn Police Department has blocked all roads leading into campus. Emergency services from the area have been called in to assist with searching and transporting people to hospitals if needed.

“We sent out a timely warning in hopes of making all students aware of what has happened,” said Mike Mitchell, Washburn Law Enforcement office “We have evacuated the building and our main focus is getting anyone who may be trapped beneath the rubble out.”

“Fortunately, there are not many people in Whiting at this time of day,” said Mitchell.

Washburn University’s Whiting building located on the East side of campus was just renovated for $6.9 million. Renovations were completed in  August 2009.

Washburn’s main telephone number was set up for parents and community members to call and receive updates about the building. For information, please call (785) 673-1482.