Tribute to the lost of the Mangatepopo Valley disaster

On April 15, a day when so many lives have been lost in youth in history, i.e. the Hillsborough football stadium disaster in 1989 which killed 96 Liverpool fans of similar ages, saw more tragedy for youth when 6 students and a teacher - Mr McClean was very much a teacher in his early days - perished in the flooded Mangatepopo Valley in the Tongariro National Park.

I didn't know anyone of the lost personally yet the disaster hit me very hard. When I lived in Dunedin, I attended the Elim Christian Centre there and hence have always had an association with all things Elim in New Zealand. Thus, it was of great shock and sadness when I heard of this news regarding the Elim Christian College in Auckland.

The song I picked here, Angels by Somebody's Cousin was played by the Gore-based band following a similar tragedy when 2 youngsters died when their truck overturned in their paddock - hence the lyrics 2 angels in heaven tonight.. Yet otherwise, I felt the lyrics of the song reflected perfectly the current scenario.. 6 kids about my brother's age (born in 1991) will never see adulthood and all the dreams and hopes they may have had.

Death is horrible but what is worse is when it happens to people in their youth. Nevertheless, we can take faith that these young children of God are in heaven with their Maker for the rest of their days and will no longer have to experience pain or suffering.

I hope this tribute gives hope, peace and perhaps even joy to those who have lost their loved ones on one of the most tragic days of the year..

Rest In Peace
- David Lim, Wellington, NZ

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• mangatepopo
• tribute
• tongariro
• youth
• tragedy
• elim
• community
• college
• auckland
• canyon
• disaster
• new
• zealand

[davedavid86]

R.I.P. A year on from the tragedy.

[davedavid86]

April 15, 2009 will mark the 10th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster when 96 young Liverpool supporters had their lives stripped in their prime, but I shall also remember these 7 young brave lives who died in equally tragic and sickening circumstances..

RIP the 96 + 7 Never to be Forgotten.

[kryptonyt2]

still so hard to believe they are no longer with us. i miss you guys so much x

[nightrush13]

even though i didn't go to this school, i'm from thailand, and when mr charman shared this story to our school, we were so sad. and We hope the best for those 7 young bright students, May the Lord bless them.

[xJUMPINPUDDLESx]

I knew them all.

I miss them.

x

[BlondieGirl2000]

This incident is still very sad.

[Hannah9413]

Great Video I go to Elim Christian College and i knew them. This video is a great tribute to them.

[greddyboost]

I stood next to Floyd's parents today at the chapel. It was painful just being there, sharing their loss.