An excellent young man named David Langley died on Saturday. The truck on which he and others were travelling back to KGV/EB School, after training at the National Stadium in preparation for their Inter-House competition, overturned on the dry main road. Those on the open back of the truck were thrown off. David had been an enthusiastic and interested instigator of training for his House team and a purposeful and cheerful competitor. Appreciating his clever use of English and distinctive sense of humour, I had a number of enjoyable discussions with him. He was keen to know how to improve both himself and his team and was willing to give time and effort to those ends.
Other passengers suffered cuts and bruises but only two were seriously hurt. All have either been discharged or are making good progress. The cause of the accident has yet to be ascertained, but travelling on the back of a truck is a standard (and inexpensive) method for transporting groups in Kiribati.
It is always sad when someone dies unexpectedly. When it is a young, intelligent, gifted, and selfless person, it is rather more poignant.
Please pray for the repose of David's soul, for his grieving family and friends, and for the complete recovery of the other athletes. They were included in the dedication of Masses on Sunday. DL 02/05
Last Modified on 07/08/2006 13:17