a paintball related death

[cjohns]

Donations for his family

Bud- I just wanted to suggest that everyone make a small donation (if they want) to his family from the paintball community. I know myself and my team would be happy to at the Diablo Cup if you (or Phil) would accept it on behalf of his family.

Just a suggestion. It is sad to see a fellow paintballer pass. Please give his wife and kids our condolences.

 

[TheRo0sTer]

Speak for yourself! J/K

Hey Bud and all the other P8ntballers let's show the community what a family or how tight this sport can be! I will donate something on behalf of his loved ones left behind!

 

[shifty]

condolances to his family and it is a sad thing to have lost a fellow paintballer.


G.

 

[Bud]

Mark T

Re: Daily Mail

i was surprised at the write up and it did explain to a certain degree the facts, BUT the headlines conflicted the report.

all in all they respected what the coroner has said and they did a major u turn on there original report of the incident.
==============================================
Donations

Something is in the pipeline, the way to help would be to attend.
I won't go into any details just yet but watch this space.

 

[Loki]

Also I read in the Sun a relativley balanced report. But as Bud said with the Daily Mail, the Headline didn't help the argument at all.

L

 

[wee mouse]

I think a collection at the Diablo Cup (and at other locations) would be a very good gesture from the paintball community, and one that all genuine pantballers would be happy to contribute to, I'm sure.

The REAL tragedy as some folks have rightly said, is that 2 kids are without their daddy, and a wife is without her husband. This is an absolutely tragic situation for all these people, and my heart really does go out to his friends and family.

I also believe that we need to counter or at least respond to some of the very irresponsible and misleading reports that have been printed about this tragedy. In particular, I am referring to the one in the Daily Mirror. The sensationalist headline was actually contradicted by the content of the report. Unfortunately, (and the journalists know this) very many people do not read the detail of stories and simply accept what the headline states.

We have all worked very hard to get our sport to where it is today in terms of profile, reputation and increasing popularity. And one of the things that we have all majored on, quite rightly, is the importance of safety.

Perhaps the UKPSF could lead the way in terms of the collection for this man's family AND coordinating a response to the unfair reporting of the accident.

 

[Loki]

I'll happily organise a collection at the Bullswood event on the 18th of November.

Many other people going to that on the forums?

 

[Mark Toye-Nexus]

Agreed

Having spoken about it with friends here you can see that most of the reports were in some way cinical.

Sensationalising news seems to be thier mission - not just telling it as it is.

Let us know about this event - we will do our best to be there!!!

Mark

 

[HERMITT]

On behalf of Team Bugout, and all the other Southern based teams, may i send my condolences to his wife and daughters. The event is a truly sad one, and i hope at a time like this the paintball community is able to pull together and show its solidarity. A collection for his family is an excellent idea and hopefully we can get something sorted out at the temple tourney on the 11th.

Once again my condolences to his family and those who knew him.

Richard (Team Bugout)

 

[Bully]

Response

I along with several REDZ players were involved in giving evidence at the inquest. We know the facts, we listened to the evidence and we listened to the verdict. Several of the papers and TV companies had already decided the outcome prior to the inquest.

Those directly connected to the family know that the 24 hrs prior to the inquest, the press "hounded" the family for statements their tactics were "threatening" at times. I had several conversations with various representatives of the media during the 24hrs prior to the inquest and the evening - morning after the inquest. The media had decided what had happened even though they had NO knowledge of what had actually happened. We did not know what had happened until the evidence was presented at the inquest but the press had already written the stories.

It is a pity that the press need to use headlines to sell papers, and I feel very sorry that the family and friends of Ken who had to read the press, but that is how the press works. Each article I have read has had part of the verdict but this is usually wrapped up in the sensational journalist talk!!!!

I appreciate that "players" are offering collection etc.... and the UKPSF will accept the donations on behalf of the family and forwarded them to his wife. I ask that you send the donations to the UKPSF because I feel that if every player, site etc... who wanted to donate started to contact the family then it would be added hastle for the family. I will record all donations so the family know who they have come from.

Finally, In January the first leg of the Series 2002 will be organised in memory of Ken. John Payne has donated the site, Team Redz will be marshalling, the trophies will be supplied by Undercover/Quatum Products all we need are the teams. There will be "NO entry fee" it will be a donation and as most players are use to a certain entry fee at an event I personally suggest this should be the level of donation. (7 man self marshal format). There is a limit on the teams entering (35)

Thank you for reading this posting - continue to play and enjoy your paintball because that is what Ken would have wanted.



Steve Bull