Texas A&M Marks 25th Anniversary Of Aggie Bonfire Collapse

Twenty-five years after the Aggie Bonfire collapse that claimed the lives of 11 students and one former student, Texas A&M University continues to honor these fallen members of the Aggie Family and those affected by the 1999 tragedy.

All are invited to participate in commemorating the 25th anniversary of the collapse and preserving the memory of the victims by attending the annual Bonfire Remembrance Ceremony, viewing the Bonfire Reflections Display, taking part in other tributes or visiting the Bonfire Memorial on campus.

“Year after year, Texas A&M students have worked to ensure that we never forget those members of the Aggie Family who were taken from us 25 years ago. Today and always, we hold these 12 Aggies and their families close to our hearts,” said General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University. “As we reflect on the events of Nov. 18, 1999, I encourage all Aggies to join me in honoring the 12 and preserving their memory for future generations.”

The collapse occurred at 2:42 a.m., as crews of students worked to complete the Bonfire stack ahead of that year’s football rivalry game with the University of Texas. In addition to those killed, 27 people were injured after the roughly 5,000 logs used to build the Bonfire toppled. Recovery efforts began immediately, with first responders and volunteers working around the clock to free those who were trapped when the stack collapsed. Today, the Bonfire Memorial stands on the site where the collapse took place, paying eternal tribute to the 12 who lost their lives:

• Miranda Denise Adams ’02
• Christopher D. Breen ’96
• Michael Stephen Ebanks ’03
• Jeremy Richard Frampton ’99
• Jamie Lynn Hand ’03
• Christopher Lee Heard ’03
• Timothy Doran Kerlee Jr. ’03
• Lucas John Kimmel ’03
• Bryan A. McClain ’02
• Chad A. Powell ’03
• Jerry Don Self ’01
• Nathan Scott West ’02

Since the collapse, Aggies have gathered annually at the memorial site to honor the 12 and reflect on their lasting legacy. This year’s Bonfire Remembrance Ceremony will be held on Monday, Nov. 18, at 2:42 a.m. The Bonfire Reflections Display, featuring photographs and information about each of the fallen Aggies, will be open to students and members of the public from midnight until 2 a.m. in the lobby of the Jack K. Williams Administration Building.

Texas A&M’s public broadcasting station, KAMU, will premiere a special half-hour TV program honoring the victims and recalling the events of 1999 through firsthand accounts of the tragedy. The program will air on PBS at 9 p.m. on Nov. 18, with additional airings scheduled throughout the week.

Tributes are also planned for Nov. 16 as part of Saturday’s home football game at Kyle Field. The fallen Aggies will be honored at Midnight Yell with a 12 cannon-shot salute by the Corps of Cadets’ Parsons Mounted Cavalry unit, and a moment of silence will be observed during the Saturday evening game against New Mexico State.

For more information on Bonfire Remembrance, visit the Texas A&M traditions page.