Never Forgotten: 25 Years After Bonfire Tragedy, Texas A&M Remembers 12 Who Died
In the early morning hours of Nov. 18, 1999, 10 Texas A&M University students and one former student were killed while working to complete that year’s Aggie Bonfire. Another student died in the hospital the next day. Twenty-five years after the tragic Bonfire collapse, which left 27 additional people injured, the Aggie Family continues to mourn those who lost their lives.
For two and half decades, the university and student body have worked to ensure that the names of these fallen Aggies will live on forever, written in the fabric of Texas A&M’s history and traditions. The following excerpts, which appear alongside other details and tributes inscribed on the Bonfire Memorial, give a sense of who these 12 Aggies were — what they cared about, how they lived their lives, and how they changed the lives of others.
Read on to hear each of their stories, and join the Aggie Family in remembering them on Nov. 18 and always.
Miranda Denise Adams ’02
Biomedical Sciences Sophomore
Santa Fe, Texas
Resident of Mosher Hall
“Since the first day I set foot on the Texas A&M campus, I fell in love with it. The atmosphere is absolutely wonderful and I couldn’t imagine attending another school. I admit that the work is very hard, but it is all worth it to get the famous Aggie Senior Ring.” – Miranda Denise Adams
“The measure of your life was not in the length, but in how you lived with integrity, enthusiasm, joy, and love. You were filled with God’s Spirit to live your faith. Your love of God and belief in His promise of eternal life continues to be an inspiration in our lives.” –Excerpt of a letter from family members
Christopher D. Breen ’96
Graduate
Austin, Texas
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
— Northwest Indian Memorial on Death
Michael Stephen Ebanks ’03
Aerospace Engineering Freshman
Carrollton, Texas
Resident of Keathley Hall
Michael was a hard worker. He saved aluminum cans as a young boy to attend U.S. Space Camp twice. In high school, he refereedsoccer and roller hockey games, plus had a job at the airport, to earn money for his pilot’s license. He was not afraid to work for what he wanted. He was a 1996 Experimental Aircraft Association Air Academy Cadet and returned to AirVenture reunions at Oshkosh for two years. He also participated in the Young Eagles program, which takes children on their first airplane flights. His piano music was another example of motivation. He was self-taught and determined to play works by Beethoven. He practiced until he was well-accomplished and later learned other classical composers as well.
Michael loved the human mind. He loved to tweak it, and even more he loved to tickle it. But he loved the human heart most; goodness knows he made his way into about a jillion of them. And he loved life beyond belief, as well as all that went with it.Meanwhile, we are left struggling and mourning. Let there be no doubt we wonder why our second son has been taken from us. But we believe God has a plan. We trust He knows what He is doing.
— Bulinda & Jerry Ebanks, Cynthia Ebanks Wade & Phil Wade
Jeremy Richard Frampton ’99
Psychology Senior
Turlock, California
Former member of Company D-1
“Jeremy had a passion for art. His art was poetry. The way he viewed life was in many ways the art of poetry. The way he lived his life was like gentle poetry.” – Zac Frampton
Why look for reason
there is no cause
Why try to find a purpose
there may be none at all
Take whatever there is
and make the most
And if there is nothing
make your own
And while you are loving to live
a reason will become
and a purpose will appear
making all the more reason to go on
— “The Purpose of Life” by Jeremy Richard Frampton
Jamie Lynn Hand ’03
Environmental Design Freshman
Henderson, Texas
Resident of Keathley Hall
I think a good way to get an idea of who I am is to know what I like to do, so here are a few things that mold me into the person I am. I like: Softball…could I mention that I was on a State Champ softball team this past summer?…, Baseball, Football, Gymnastics, Sleeping… as late as possible…, Eating…especially pancakes, ice cream, Papa John’s pizza, chili hot dogs with mustard and relish, and anything with whipped cream…well, almost anything, Drawing…mainly actual objects instead of cartoon-like characters…, Painting…especially using paint markers to add some color to jam boxes and softball helmets…, Decorating, Watching Movies, Acting…putting on plays or skits for other people has been something my sisters and I have been doing for years, whether it was for a cousin’s birthday party or just something to do on a hot summer day…
— Excerpt from Jamie’s application to be a Fish Camp counselor
Christopher Lee Heard ’03
Pre-Engineering Freshman
Houston, Texas
Member of Company K-2
Chris felt excitement in his heart that November night looking out over the lights of College Station and the campus from high up on stack. He had called home earlier that evening and told Mom & Dad about he and his roommate joining the Marines that afternoon. Nearly through his Fish semester, Chris couldn’t wait to get on with achieving more of his goals and was proud to be involved in the Bonfire tradition.
When he felt the stack shift, Chris’ last words were to shout a warning to others working below him. As Chris passed upward in this great circle of life, we know his heart was content with the love of his family and knowledge of his own self worth. Although Chris’ memory lives in our hearts every day, we are all blessed with a special occasion each year on this date that reminds us of the bright spirits of he and eleven other fellow Aggies with a sparkling tribute across the night sky.
— Les & Andrea Heard, Jason & Amy Heard
Timothy Doran Kerlee, Jr. ’03
Mechanical Engineering Sophomore
Bartlett, Tennessee
Member of Squadron 16
“Help my buddies first.” . . . uttered Tim as he lay on the fallen stack. He then directed rescue workers to five others whom he could see before allowing them to free him.
Eagle Scout Tim Kerlee was posthumously granted Boy Scout’s highest award, the MEDAL OF MERIT, for his heroic actions.
There is no grander sight in all the world than that of a person fired with a great purpose, dominated by the love of Christ. That was Tim.
He left us that legacy. Seize the day! Make your life extraordinary!
He was always willing to help anyone. Whether he was teaching someone how to swing dance, tutoring someone in calculus, or organizing a campus clean-up, he’d always do it with a smile and never a complaint. He was a joy to be around and could make friends with anyone he met.
Lucas John Kimmel ’03
Biomedical Sciences Freshman
Corpus Christi, Texas
Member of Company D-2
There is living and there is existing. If you are living, life will take your breath. In tasting honey you may get a sting, but life stagnant is worse than death.
Bite into life and let the juice run down. Lives are not measured with chances untook. Enjoy the blooms now, in time they’ll be brown. Chances for lovers are often forsook.
Forget all the past, look not for your fate. Take life by the horns and live for today. Hard times will come if you rush the gate, but interesting people have suffered worse fate.
Take hold of the world and go for a ride, ‘cause not all men live, but everyone dies.
— Lucas John Kimmel
Bryan A. McClain ’02
Agriculture Freshman
San Antonio, Texas
Member of Squadron 2
At the time of Bryan’s death, it was said by many that he had put more into his 19 years of life than a person 80 years old. Bryan was never silent, nor was he ever still. He was full of energy and enthusiasm. Bryan threw himself into every activity with gusto. He never saw a stranger, nor did he ever turn his back if someone needed help. Everyone loved him!
Bryan gave glory, honor, and praise to God every day of his life.
Attending Texas A&M had been a dream of Bryan’s since he was a small child. Bryan was pursuing a degree in Entomology, the study of insects. He was affectionately known by his friends as “Bug Boy.” At Texas A&M, Bryan was a proud member of the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Air Force Squadron 2, also known as Gator 2.
Music held a very special place in Bryan’s heart. He mastered the piano and the acoustical guitar. He loved music of every kind—rock, jazz, blues, Texas music, country…
Bryan also loved the outdoors! He would grab every opportunity he could to go fishing, hunting, deer watching, swimming, or hiking. The outdoors fed Bryan’s soul.
Bryan spent his summers as a lifeguard and swim instructor to the young people in his community. He was known as a “tough” coach, but he made swim lessons fun. He would spend hours playing water games with the kids, watching over each child as if they were his own.
Bryan, you were a great son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend. Having you in our lives was such a blessing! We will always remember how you lived…and how you died. Living life for what it was worth—having fun and seeing that everyone else had fun. You will never be forgotten! Bryan, we love you and miss you so much…
Chad A. Powell ’03
Computer Engineering Sophomore
Keller, Texas
Resident of Fowler Hall
“A model of honor, true character, and loyalty. He honored his life with integrity, his family with love and devotion, his community with leadership, friendship, and service, his God with commitment and passion”
“A born leader, very intelligent, adventurous, fun loving, always thought of others, and he never met a stranger”
“An amazing mind, a loving heart, and a great sense of humor”
“Among his many passions were Scouting, computer programming, rock climbing, playing the guitar, running, Special Olympics, and making people smile”
“An Eagle Scout who lived daily the Scout Oath and Law”
“Did everything with a purpose and inspiring conviction. He just believed in ‘things important’ ”
“Possessed a unique, unbridled enthusiasm for living”
“A person who challenged himself to achieve the extraordinary”
Jerry Don Self ’01
Engineering Technology Junior
Arlington, Texas
Member of Squadron 17
“If others could only give like he gave, love like he loved, and live like he lived, what a wonderful place this would be.”
“His smile, his hugs, and above all, his red long johns that he insisted on wearing to his flag football games.”
“Remember the time I asked you why you were smiling? And you said, ‘I told myself a joke.’ What a silly guy!”
“He was my buddy. He was my baby. He was my hero.” —Dad
“Words cannot express the love, joy, and happiness that he brought into my life. I especially miss our conversations that always ended with ‘I love you mama.’”
Nathan Scott West ’02
Ocean Engineering Sophomore
Bellaire, Texas
Member of Company C-2
Dear Scott,
This is a letter to tell you about your many good qualities. First, you are loving and sensitive. You are always ready with a hug or kiss. You are patient and kind with younger children. Even as a five or six year old, you could calm a crying baby. You are gentle and patient with animals. Second, you are very competent with tools. Any job that needs to be done, whether out in the yard or in the kitchen, will be worked on with good safety techniques until it is accomplished. Third, you are intelligent. You are interesting to talk to. You are a challenge to play games with. I know that you will someday make me proud when you decide how to use this special gift God gave you. Lastly, you are not afraid to try new things. You approach new skills with the attitude that you can do it and eventually you can.
Love always, Mom, 1994
