3 DSU,ND(Kyrstin Gemar,22;Ashley Neufeld,21;Afton Williamson,20)11-1BODIES IN CAR]

[carterkatt]

DICKINSON, N.D. — Authorities in southwestern North Dakota searched Monday for three Dickinson State University softball players reported missing after a friend received late night telephone calls that mentioned water and indicated the women needed help.

Kyrstin Gemar, 22, of Grossmont, Calif; Afton Williamson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Manitoba in Canada were believed to be in a white 1997 Jeep Cherokee with California plates when they were last heard from late Sunday night, authorities said.

Dickinson Police Lt. Dave Wallace said a friend of the women received two telephone calls from them, about one minute apart, before the line cut out. The exact words used in the calls and exactly which of the women they came from were not immediately released.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571222,00.html

[n/t]

Here's another article includes photos of the 3 missing girls.

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/article_453d6570-c809-11de-bffd-001cc4c002e0.html

Praying they're safe. It sounds like their jeep may have gone off the road and into a body of water.

[aproudmom]

:crying:I pray they are found soon

[AJandTam]

Here's another article includes photos of the 3 missing girls.

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/article_453d6570-c809-11de-bffd-001cc4c002e0.html

Praying they're safe. It sounds like their jeep may have gone off the road and into a body of water.

Yeah, this one does sound like an accident and doesn't sound very good.

[leema24]

This doesn't sound good. GMA had an interview with one of the girl's fathers. So sad.

Police Have Found No Trace of Dickinson State University Students
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/search-college-women-missing-north-dakota/story?id=8981839

[juliekan]

http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/article/id/28975/

Three Dickinson women who often go out stargazing are missing and it is unclear where their trail will lead.

Authorities are asking residents to be on the lookout for Kyrstin Gemar, 22, Ashley Neufeld, 21, and Afton Williamson, 20, who all play softball for Dickinson State University. They are believed to have been driving a white 1997 Jeep Cherokee with California license plate number 3UBN52.

Our fellow poster, Walton, just sent me this. They've been out searching.

[n/t]

This doesn't sound good. GMA had an interview with one of the girl's fathers. So sad.

Police Have Found No Trace of Dickinson State University Students
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/search-college-women-missing-north-dakota/story?id=8981839

I don't get this part from the article

"Some place in that conversation, water was mentioned," Wallace said. "What that context is, is speculation."

===

Why won't they release exactly what was said during the phone call? Is it because it was difficult to make out what the caller said?

[Kip]

I don't understand - by now, shouldn't the cell phone company have been able to give LE a location?

[fastpitch]

Well, this is my sport. And it is every parent's nightmare. My prayers are with these young ladies and for their quick rescue.

[Kip]

The father of one of three missing college softball players said Tuesday the women often went star gazing near a lake in southwestern North Dakota and police do not suspect foul play in their disappearances.

Lenny Gemar told ABC's "Good Morning America" in a telephone interview that the Dickinson State University students would hang out by Patterson Lake near the city and "just look up at the stars and, you know, chat about the things that teenagers will chat about."

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ivg3H4SVxoJDOECn-VbmiaH9xhvAD9BO41T83

[debbadoo]

This one hits close to home.......my heart is aching for all of the parents of these three young ladies. I pray they are found......of course, alive would be the BEST outcome......but it is not looking good so far. :sad:

[jakee]

This one hits close to home.......my heart is aching for all of the parents of these three young ladies. I pray they are found......of course, alive would be the BEST outcome......but it is not looking good so far. :sad:

I don't know the girls, but I feel it hits close to home for me too as I grew up about an hour from Dickinson. Haven't been there in years though. I hope we hear something soon and they are all fine.

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=8981923

[SnowWhite]

Oh for God's sake! There isn't that much WATER in all of North Dakota!!! This is a NO BRAINER! You would think they would have an idea of about where they were out 'star gazing' and pretty much narrow it down from there.

Minnesota JUST had a case where the young woman went in the river right in the city limits and the local police didn't find her for a year!

I'm just gonna have to drive out there.

[debbadoo]

I don't know the girls, but I feel it hits close to home for me too as I grew up about an hour from Dickinson. Haven't been there in years though. I hope we hear something soon and they are all fine.

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=8981923

I don't know the girls, either. Brandon, Manitoba is not far from me, and my family LOVES No. Dak. and we get down there as often as we can.....it is kind of a second home for us. Just makes me sick to my stomach that these young ladies are out there somewhere and who knows what happened to them. :sad:

[kelloggirl]

Oh for God's sake! There isn't that much WATER in all of North Dakota!!! This is a NO BRAINER! You would think they would have an idea of about where they were out 'star gazing' and pretty much narrow it down from there.

Minnesota JUST had a case where the young woman went in the river right in the city limits and the local police didn't find her for a year!

I'm just gonna have to drive out there.

I know, right? They did an aerial search. Can planes see through water now? They gave up and turned it over to police. Way to put a lot of effort in! They need a boat with sonar equipment to search that lake ASAP!

[debbadoo]

I know, right? They did an aerial search. Can planes see through water now? They gave up and turned it over to police. Way to put a lot of effort in! They need a boat with sonar equipment to search that lake ASAP!

Exactly.....the poor families should not have to wait almost a year like Gina's family did. The agony....I just cannot comprehend that pain. :sad:

[Lynden1000]

The only thing that puzzles me is why the girl called her friend. When you're in a vehicle that has gone into water, do you call a friend - twice - or 911? Of course she might have panicked or had the friend on speed dial, but it still strikes me as odd and makes me suspicious that *maybe* there was foul play.

But I agree that it probably does make more sense that they did indeed wind up in water :sad:

[Kip]

Most new phones have a GPS device so emergency services can locate 911 callers quickly. Even if the phone didn't have that device, a fairly specific location could be triangulated.

In the comments after this storyhttp://abcnews.go.com/GMA/search-college-women-missing-north-dakota/comments?type=story&id=8981839, one person wrote that local talk is that the phone location was 5 miles north of town (the writer characterized it as pasture land) and the lake is 3 miles east of town. Another person wrote that there is a large farm pond about 5 miles north of town that's hidden by trees. [Of course, who knows if these comments are at all accurate.]

[leema24]

More information released on disappearance
"Three students who are missing are also traveling with a small dog, according to a press release from the Dickinson Police Department sent this morning."
http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/article/id/29006/group/home/

[Breazy]

More information released on disappearance
"Three students who are missing are also traveling with a small dog, according to a press release from the Dickinson Police Department sent this morning."
http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/article/id/29006/group/home/

This link also states that there was press conference at 10 a.m. this morning. Anyone know what was said? I also think divers should get out to that pond that is 5 miles north of Dickinson since it was reported that last pings came from area 5 miles north. Praying for these girls safety but I'm afraid a terrible accident has occurred.

[n/t]

Police: Lake search finds no trace of ND students

more at the link

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/police-lake-search-finds-184088.html

[AmndaRcknwth]

Well, I hope they don't stop searching the lake this fast.
Look how many cars are found years later.

Search more!

[3Monkeys]

The only thing that puzzles me is why the girl called her friend. When you're in a vehicle that has gone into water, do you call a friend - twice - or 911? Of course she might have panicked or had the friend on speed dial, but it still strikes me as odd and makes me suspicious that *maybe* there was foul play.

But I agree that it probably does make more sense that they did indeed wind up in water :sad:

Yes... Although I too suspect they somehow ended up in the water, it did seem suspicious that there were two separate calls to the friend, but apparently not to 911. How could the friend have helped instead of 911?

Maybe the calls started off casual, but the second call ended abruptly when one of the girls yelled 'water!'?

JMO, and I really hope they solve this mystery soon.

ETA - I just read the above link where the first call was a ' very scratchy' call for help. So much for my theory. So sad.

[Breazy]

Well, I hope they don't stop searching the lake this fast.
Look how many cars are found years later.

Search more!

They need to send divers to that large farm pond mentioned in the comments on the ABC link. Does anyone know if the fishing area mentioned in link just previous could be this farm pond? I bet not. Go there quickly!!

[Meolane]

Yes... Although I too suspect they somehow ended up in the water, it did seem suspicious that there were two separate calls to the friend, but apparently not to 911. How could the friend have helped instead of 911?

Maybe the calls started off casual, but the second call ended abruptly when one of the girls yelled 'water!'?

JMO, and I really hope they solve this mystery soon.

ETA - I just read the above link where the first call was a ' very scratchy' call for help. So much for my theory. So sad.

I was wondering why she would call a friend instead of 911... and I got to thinking... I have an iPhone, and it is much easier to call someone on my favorite's list. It takes more time to get to the keypad to actually type in a number.

[Kip]

http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/article/id/29007/group/News/ (http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/article/id/29007/group/News/)

Local law enforcement has completed a dive search of Patterson Lake and of the Dickinson Dike looking for three missing Dickinson State University students to no avail, they said at a press conference this morning.

Some people believe they saw them at the Buckskin Bar in Killdeer Friday night, but police could not confirm it. There have been a few sightings since then, including one at 2 a.m. Monday in the Killdeer area, police...

The 2 am Monday sighting would have been after the phone calls.

[Kip]

Just thinking ... what if the girl didn't say "water". What if someone were in the car with them and pulled a gun or something or or someone attempted to get in the car and she started to say "What are you doing?" and just got "what are" out.

[BevAnn]

ooh, good point Kip. :huh:

[carterkatt]

I was wondering why she would call a friend instead of 911... and I got to thinking... I have an iPhone, and it is much easier to call someone on my favorite's list. It takes more time to get to the keypad to actually type in a number.

I was thinking along the same lines... easier to hit "send" (like redial last number) vs. 9 1 1, send?

[lune3]

This link also states that there was press conference at 10 a.m. this morning. Anyone know what was said? I also think divers should get out to that pond that is 5 miles north of Dickinson since it was reported that last pings came from area 5 miles north. Praying for these girls safety but I'm afraid a terrible accident has occurred.

Here is a map. Zooming in on satellite view, there is a what appears to be a small lake, with streams, north of town, just off the 22 where it makes a slight angle north west.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&source=hp&q=Dickinson+ND&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Dickinson,+ND&gl=us&ei=HpjwSo75B4fqsQPUusGBBg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQ8gEwAA

Does look like farming/pasture land around Dickinson.

I'm wondering, if these friends made a habit of going to Patterson Lake, why were they going north? I pray that they are found safely.

Killdeer is way north and there's a larger lake up there nearby.

[jakee]

Gosh, was hoping to check in and hear some good news by now. According to this twitter there will be a PC at 3:00.

http://twitter.com/andrewkeller

[n/t]

Gosh, was hoping to check in and hear some good news by now. According to this twitter there will be a PC at 3:00.

http://twitter.com/andrewkeller

What time is that Eastern time zone? TIA

[jakee]

What time is that Eastern time zone? TIA

I believe Mountain. So any minute. I guess i will just keep clicking on the twitter.

[lune3]

Here's the station but I don't see anything yet. Anyone have another link?

http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=35253

[jakee]

Here's the station but I don't see anything yet. Anyone have another link?

http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=35253

Thanks for the link. I don't have another one. Guess we just wait for the update.

[Dogmatic]

Just thinking ... what if the girl didn't say "water". What if someone were in the car with them and pulled a gun or something or or someone attempted to get in the car and she started to say "What are you doing?" and just got "what are" out.

Good point Kip!!!!!

[fastpitch]

If they were spotted at a bar, you would think that the sighting might be reliable. I am not being racial - but in a bar in that area, you would notice 2 caucasian girls and an African American.

Plus, they would have all 3 been carded.

[NatalieB]

Could it be possible that they somehow drove the Jeep into the lake and were panicking as it was going under? Anyone know how deep it might be? I'm not at all familiar with the area. The 1 father said from everything he understood, it appeared to be an accident of some type.

[jakee]

JVM is actually talking about this right now. Sure wish we had heard an update.

[lune3]

If they were indeed seen at a bar in Killdeer, which looks to be about 25/30 miles north of Dickinson, there is a sizable lake nearby.

If they were abducted or forced by people in Killdeer, the mountains are not very far going further north on that 22 road.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&source=hp&q=Dickinson+ND&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Dickinson,+ND&gl=us&ei=HpjwSo75B4fqsQPUusGBBg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CBAQ8gEwAA

[jakee]

If they were indeed seen at a bar in Killdeer, which looks to be about 25/30 miles north of Dickinson, there is a sizable lake nearby.

If they were abducted or forced by people in Killdeer, the mountains are not very far going further north on that 22 road.

Maybe I misunderstood the guests on JVM. But they said they were at the bar in Killdeer 2 days before they went missing? I thought earlier they said people saw them there after the calls.

Maybe the frantic calls were telling the friends where they were at and someone was attacking them? Just yelling in the phone we are at the lake, water" I don't know. This is strange that they didn't find the car. and the dog!

[Riverwalk!]

AP

The 3 girls were found dead in a pond.

RIP

[jakee]

Oh no. they have been found dead. :sad:

[KatieLady]

JVM reporting they were found dead in the car in a pond :sad:

[jakee]

AP

The 3 girls were found dead in a pond.

RIP


I just want to know how that happened? How close were they to that water. so darn sad.

[n/t]

I just heard the breaking news.

Heartbreaking :crying:

Prayers going out to the families of these beautiful girls :rose:

[Riverwalk!]

I just want to know how that happened? How close were they to that water. so darn sad.

Just breaking in the press

http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=35265

[lune3]

Oh no, how horrible. Oh those poor families, my heart goes out to them.

[Zeus]

I understand how a vehicle could accidentally go into a pond but ponds aren't that deep and these girls were athletes. I don't understand how none of them got out of the vehicle before it sank.

[jakee]

I understand how a vehicle could accidentally go into a pond but ponds aren't that deep and these girls were athletes. I don't understand how none of them got out of the vehicle before it sank.

You think they just drove so close and the car fell in? I don't understand how it happened. Maybe it was just so dark they couldn't see? I am thinking about the dog too. :(

[Riverwalk!]

You think they just drove so close and the car fell in? I don't understand how it happened. Maybe it was just so dark they couldn't see? I am thinking about the dog too. :(

It sounds like a horrible accident, but we don't know that. Could be a homicide and they were placed in the car and then the car put in the water??????

[jakee]

It sounds like a horrible accident, but we don't know that. Could be a homicide and they were placed in the car and then the car put in the water??????

True. I guess we just have to wait and see if anymore news develops.

[Zeus]

You think they just drove so close and the car fell in? I don't understand how it happened. Maybe it was just so dark they couldn't see? I am thinking about the dog too. :(

Yes, I do think that's what happened, jakee. In the calls to their friend, they didn't say anything about being threatened by anyone---they just said something about water so I think they just accidentally drove in the pond in the dark---just like you said.

[lune3]

Looking at that map I linked, it appears that the 22 road goes over a type of stream connected to a pond. About 5 miles N of Dickinson.I wonder if they went over from a bridge.

I'm worried about the dog too..I wish I hadn't read there was a dog too.

OT but sadly Samira's body was just found too.

[n/t]

It sounds like a horrible accident, but we don't know that. Could be a homicide and they were placed in the car and then the car put in the water??????

If they were dead, who made the phone call to the friend? I believe it was an unfortunate accident.

[Zeus]

If they were dead, who made the phone call to the friend? I believe it was an unfortunate accident.

I think you're right.

[carterkatt]

Three college softball players, who vanished Sunday night while at a North Dakota lake where they often went star-gazing, were found dead in their vehicle, police said.

Police Lt. Rod Banyai said Tuesday night that police are "still investigating" the cause of the deaths.

Kyrstin Gemar, 22, of Grossmont, Calif.; Afton Williamson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Manitoba in Canada, all play softball for Dickinson State University in Dickinson, N.D.



http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,571526,00.html

[walton]

http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/article/id/29016/

Authorities said three Dickinson State University students who have been missing since late Sunday night were found dead at about 3 p.m. today. They were in Kyrstin Gemar's Jeep which was submerged in a stock pond northwest of Dickinson.

Searchers found the vehicle at about 4:25 p.m. today after seeing tracks leading to the pond, which is about 12-feet deep.


North Dakota had some heavy rains and some flooding in areas where you wouldn't think there would be flooding.

:( My heart goes out to all the families and friends of those involved.

[n/t]

Most new phones have a GPS device so emergency services can locate 911 callers quickly. Even if the phone didn't have that device, a fairly specific location could be triangulated.

In the comments after this storyhttp://abcnews.go.com/GMA/search-college-women-missing-north-dakota/comments?type=story&id=8981839, one person wrote that local talk is that the phone location was 5 miles north of town (the writer characterized it as pasture land) and the lake is 3 miles east of town. Another person wrote that there is a large farm pond about 5 miles north of town that's hidden by trees. [Of course, who knows if these comments are at all accurate.]

It sounds like this person was right. We don't know the details yet but they were found in the pond.

Pond is 12 feet deep per JVM just now.

[Riverwalk!]

If they were dead, who made the phone call to the friend? I believe it was an unfortunate accident.

Don't know. I can't figure out how they just sat there and went in the water and didn't get out. Twelve feet of water isn't that much, imo.

We'll see after they do autopsy.

[lune3]

Don't know. I can't figure out how they just sat there and went in the water and didn't get out. Twelve feet of water isn't that much, imo.

We'll see after they do autopsy.

The frightening thing is you can't get out of a car when it's in water. The pressure prevents you from opening the doors, and windows can't be opened if the they have the automatic openers, not old roll type.
Best thing to do is break the window, let water rush in to reduce pressure, but very hard if you don't have anything to do that...and the panic...

This is so very tragic.

[Zeus]

Don't know. I can't figure out how they just sat there and went in the water and didn't get out. Twelve feet of water isn't that much, imo.

We'll see after they do autopsy.


It was dark and obviously they were panicked. Trying to unlock the doors and open them against the pressure of the water would have been difficult, plus trying to find the unlock button while in the dark, under water and panicking, may have just taken too many precious seconds.

Add to that, getting their seat belts off.

[n/t]

Don't know. I can't figure out how they just sat there and went in the water and didn't get out. Twelve feet of water isn't that much, imo.

We'll see after they do autopsy.

It is if you're stuck in a jeep. It's not easy to open windows or doors. They say to break a window when this happens but panic sets in.

[AmndaRcknwth]

Awww how awful. Damn.

[Riverwalk!]

Awww how awful. Damn.

Double Damn.

[kelloggirl]

Oh no! I suspected as much, but it is still very very sad to hear. A very tragic accident. Sincere condolences to their families and friends. :rose:

[Chica]

It was dark and obviously they were panicked. Trying to unlock the doors and open them against the pressure of the water would have been difficult, plus trying to find the unlock button while in the dark, under water and panicking, may have just taken too many precious seconds.

Add to that, getting their seat belts off.

Hi Zeus, I feel so bad about the friend who received the frantic cell phone calls. God Bless the families

[Destini]

This is just so, so sad, three young girls just beginning life's journey. I feel so horrible for their families.

Please, please, please, everyone reading here, invest in a life h-a-m-m-e-r (spelled out to get rid of that smilie) for yourself & your family & friends for Christmas. They may have had one & just panicked.

:rose:

[Casspian]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ivg3H4SVxoJDOECn-VbmiaH9xhvAD9BOCR8O0

Police: 3 ND college students found dead in pond

By BLAKE NICHOLSON (AP) – 17 minutes ago

DICKINSON, N.D. — Three missing North Dakota college softball players were found dead Tuesday in a Jeep that was pulled from a pond two days after the women disappeared.

Police Lt. Rod Banyai said police are "still investigating" the cause of the deaths and autopsies are planned. Banyai said he believes the women were in the vehicle when they made two cell phone calls to friends for help, but he didn't know whether it already was under water when those calls were made.

Authorities had been searching since Sunday night for Kyrstin Gemar, 22, of San Diego; Afton Williamson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Manitoba.

The Dickinson State University students were believed to be in the white 1997 Jeep Cherokee with California plates when they were last heard from in the calls made to two friends on cell phones before lines went dead. Police described the first as a "very scratchy" call for help in which one of the women said they were near a lake and water.

Banyai said the pond is about 12 feet deep on a farm northwest of Dickinson. He said searchers found vehicle tracks leading into the pond Tuesday afternoon, and searchers in an airplane flying over the site saw oil on top of the water.

The submerged vehicle was pulled from the pond about two hours later, police said.

Banyai said the vehicle will be checked for defects. He said authorities don't know how it got into the pond.

A prayer service was scheduled Tuesday night on campus.

[tootie]

The frightening thing is you can't get out of a car when it's in water. The pressure prevents you from opening the doors, and windows can't be opened if the they have the automatic openers, not old roll type.
Best thing to do is break the window, let water rush in to reduce pressure, but very hard if you don't have anything to do that...and the panic...

This is so very tragic.

My husband and I were just discussing this. I was asking how they couldn't have just took there legs to bust out a window, but hubby said the pressure probably would not have allowed that. Is that true? I consider myself a very strong person like maybe I could bust out a window or something.

Destini, I second the h-a-m-m-e-r I think I maybe doing that myself. As long as it was within reach like glove compartment or something like that (not the trunk). Very good idea.

For the girls.....:rose:

[ninetoes]

no link yet...just the breaking news headline

[ninetoes]

"Missing Students' Bodies Found "

"Three women -- including a Clairemont High grad -- last seen Sunday have been found dead in North Dakota, according to police"

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local-beat/Missing-Students-Found-Dead-68993797.html

[tootie]

Hi Zeus, I feel so bad about the friend who received the frantic cell phone calls. God Bless the families

I second that Chica, don't you know that will haunt them for the rest of their lives. So very sad. I will say a prayer for the families as well as the friends that received those calls.

[Riverwalk!]

On the Amber Alert/Missing forum
http://boards.insessiontrials.com/showthread.php?t=360207

Here's their thread. So sad for their families.

[TheGoat]

amazon sells a two pack of something called the life hammer for 30 dollars with free shipping. It break through glass like butter and also cuts the safety belt

[SnowWhite]

I find it remarkable that all three of them drowned. Remarkable indeed.:read:


ALL THREE? It wasn't that cold. Not like if this was January and they went in. Waiting to hear more from LE. Something's up here.

[R~O~S]

My husband and I were just discussing this. I was asking how they couldn't have just took there legs to bust out a window, but hubby said the pressure probably would not have allowed that. Is that true? I consider myself a very strong person like maybe I could bust out a window or something.

Destini, I second the h-a-m-m-e-r I think I maybe doing that myself. As long as it was within reach like glove compartment or something like that (not the trunk). Very good idea.

For the girls.....:rose:

Yes it's true. My son works EMS, he has a weighted tool just for breaking car windows, it's not easy even if you don't have the pressure of the water holding against the window from the outside. With the water against the window it would be very difficult, the water would brace the window.

They would have needed something they could swing with enough force to shatter it & enough room to actually swing it, all while in a total panic.

[lune3]

I find it remarkable that all three of them drowned. Remarkable indeed.:read:


ALL THREE? It wasn't that cold. Not like if this was January and they went in. Waiting to hear more from LE. Something's up here.

I don't know, sounds like a tragic accident to me. You just can't escape from a submerged car unless you have equipment and nerves of steel.

I think they were near the edge of the pond (as the tire tracks indicated), and at some point braking did not work due to mud? slippery surface? and the Jeep went in. Happens very fast, before you know it, car is under water.

[lune3]

Yes it's true. My son works EMS, he has a weighted tool just for breaking car windows, it's not easy even if you don't have the pressure of the water holding against the window from the outside. With the water against the window it would be very difficult, the water would brace the window.

They would have needed something they could swing with enough force to shatter it & enough room to actually swing it, all while in a total panic.

AND in complete darkness.....

[fastpitch]

I have known adults to drive into water in the dark. They couldn't see it ahead of them, just a reflection.

That water would have been very cold. It wouldn't have taken long for shock to have set in. MOO

[Zeus]

Hi Zeus, I feel so bad about the friend who received the frantic cell phone calls. God Bless the families

At least the friend who received the call, called 911 immediately so can take comfort in knowing they did all that they could possibly do.

So sad for all the families and the community. :sad:

[Justice4all]

This is sooooooooo sad :crying:


God bless all three of the young ladies and their families :rose:

[tootie]

Yes it's true. My son works EMS, he has a weighted tool just for breaking car windows, it's not easy even if you don't have the pressure of the water holding against the window from the outside. With the water against the window it would be very difficult, the water would brace the window.

They would have needed something they could swing with enough force to shatter it & enough room to actually swing it, all while in a total panic.

I have probably a dumb question but what if the window was rolled down just a little before the car was submerged would that help any at all with trying to break it versus the window being all the way up? Or would that even make a difference?

[lune3]

I have probably a dumb question but what if the window was rolled down just a little before the car was submerged would that help any at all with trying to break it versus the window being all the way up? Or would that even make a difference?

Water would rush in. That would help in a way because the more water inside the car, the better to equalize the pressure of outside water against the doors.
The problem is the time I'd think, and panic. Could one get out in time while water fills the car and the air pocket gets smaller? As it is, panic would make you struggle and gasp.......I don't even want to think about it..it's a nightmare.
I knew a family who went into a canal, years ago, due to icy roads...it still haunts me.

[R~O~S]

I have probably a dumb question but what if the window was rolled down just a little before the car was submerged would that help any at all with trying to break it versus the window being all the way up? Or would that even make a difference?

That would make it more difficult to break. The water would be gushing in and they'd have to break the stream of water while maintaining the force of the blow to smash the window. Envision trying to swing a baseball bat under water.

They could have gotten out had they waited for the water to fill the car and equalize the pressure.

But think about that for a minute, they would have had to stay calm enough to find an air pocket at the top of the car until that happened, then find their way to the door handle and push it open while floating in water. IOW find something to brace themselves against to generate enough force to push against the water & get the door open. That's a tall order for three young girls.

[debbadoo]

My heart just sank tonight when my husband picked me up from work tonight and told me that the girls were found......deceased. I want to offer my condolences to the three devastated families this evening.....I cannot imagine the agony of not knowing and then the pain of finding out what happened. God bless them all.....:rose:

[SnowWhite]

At least the friend who received the call, called 911 immediately so can take comfort in knowing they did all that they could possibly do.

So sad for all the families and the community. :sad:

This is an excellent point and the senseless loss of these three beautiful women in the prime of their life has just got me angry.

[Jayne]

Oh My..this is so sad. RIP those girls and courage to their families. :rose:

I agree with the "h a m m e r" tool. Had one in my former car..left it inside when sold it..need a new one, but have a hammer, plyers and a special blade knife in the Glovecompartment to cut seatbelts until I buy another of those devices. They can cut through glass, IIRC.

Here's a site..on what to do if caught in deep water.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2190095_survive-submerged-car.html

Someone told me to cut the engine immediately as it would give more time, perhaps, before the auto begins to sink..the engine running apparently pulls the auto down?

Danged well I'm going to explain this several times to my kid...doesn't drive (yet) but to know what to do even as a passenger.

Gosh..this is just so tragic for those families.

jmo

J

[Kip]

Sad, sad news.

Mythbusters had a segment on submerged cars:

http://mythbustersresults.com/episode72

I don't think the Mythbusters video is available online, but here's a video from the Discovery Channel on how to survive a submerged car:

http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/how-to-survive-submerged-car.html

[Avalon]

I'm wondering if the vehicle flipped on its side when it went into the pond. Depending on how fast it was going, it could have, right? Maybe went into the water, floated for a minute, then rolled onto its side? Which would have completely disoriented the girls, and hence they may not even have understood what was happening, only that water was rushing in. I just feel so bad....I was hoping they just took off as a prank....

[airportwoman]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091104/ap_on_re_us/us_missing_students_north_dakota

It doesn't sound like it was anything other than a tragic accident. I sure hope the water was really cold and they never felt anything.

:crying:

[TheGoat]

Watching the video on how to survive shows how difficult it is to actually escape. Useful info.

[fastpitch]

My neighbors have an older jeep cherokee that they don't drive out of town. At one time it was a nice car, but now a lot of the features don't work. It isn't worth fixing.

Sometimes, these older cars have power windows that down work, door that are broken, etc.

My own son had a car at college for 4 years, that he failed to tell me had bad tires.

We can't take for granted that the car was fully functional. MOO

[Breazy]

I don't know, sounds like a tragic accident to me. You just can't escape from a submerged car unless you have equipment and nerves of steel.

I think they were near the edge of the pond (as the tire tracks indicated), and at some point braking did not work due to mud? slippery surface? and the Jeep went in. Happens very fast, before you know it, car is under water.

This is what I was thinking. News reports stated area had gotten a lot of rain recently. I think as they were going down to the pond, as in ground sloped down, they started sliding and had no traction to stop. My heart breaks for these families and may the angels fly with the three of them.

ETA: Any mention of the dog what was reported to be with them?

[leema24]

How tragic for these poor girls. :crying:

Softball players likely didn't see pond: police (mentions Jeep was wheels-down with its doors and windows closed)
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/manitoba/story/2009/11/04/softball-dakota-missing-pond-neufeld193.html

This article mentions the dog was found with the girls:
The bodies of the women and Neufeld's dog were found inside the SUV after signals from their last desperate phone calls late Sunday helped lead authorities to the farm.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/sns-ap-us-missing-students-north-dakota,0,3285341.story

[Breazy]

I can not even begin to imagine the panic these girls must have felt. My heart breaks for them....

[febreze]

isn't there something that will break a window in your car if you are trapped under water? can a car door be opened after the car fills with water? i have heard both are true but, i really don't know this tragedy made me think of my grandchildren the ages of these 3 girls and would they know how to escape a sunken car. that is something we all should know because a tragedy like this could happen to anyone.

[Dogmatic]

Peaceful journey young ladies!


Dang, this is sad.

[AmndaRcknwth]

http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_video.asp?news=35280


A few vids and articles here:
http://www.kfyrtv.com/

My best guess (based on location Sheriff gave, this is the pond:
http://i38.tinypic.com/2vv16vc.jpg

[AmndaRcknwth]

This is what I was thinking. News reports stated area had gotten a lot of rain recently. I think as they were going down to the pond, as in ground sloped down, they started sliding and had no traction to stop. My heart breaks for these families and may the angels fly with the three of them.

ETA: Any mention of the dog what was reported to be with them?

It's really isolated out there. If they'd pulled off the road into a field to stargaze, could be they just followed lights from a nearby farm to get back to a road. It doesn't appear to be very hilly there, but I am just guessing.

eta, the dog was found with them.


"A" marks where the girls were found: http://i37.tinypic.com/2nq4kl5.jpg

[tootie]

Thanks everyone for your replies to my question and the links on what to do if your car was to get submerged in water. I'm sure they tried everything they could to get out of that vehicle. It's just so sad, 10 feet of water is not deep and yet that small of amount of water claimed the lives of 3 beautiful young women. I feel terrible for the family and friends of these young ladies. May they RIP. :rose:

[ChocHollyK]

I know, right? They did an aerial search. Can planes see through water now? They gave up and turned it over to police. Way to put a lot of effort in! They need a boat with sonar equipment to search that lake ASAP!

I'm guessing that the aerial search was conducted FIRST because if they were NOT in water, they could be spotted and if they went INTO water, the aerial search would show disturbances in the terrain right around the water??
Maybe?? I dunno, it's easier, more sensible, further reaching in a shorter amount of time and far CHEAPER than just randomly sending divers or boats into water sources....
Just a calculated guess.... time, I believe was of the essence ....

[FreeCell]

I'm guessing that the aerial search was conducted FIRST because if they were NOT in water, they could be spotted and if they went INTO water, the aerial search would show disturbances in the terrain right around the water??
Maybe?? I dunno, it's easier, more sensible, further reaching in a shorter amount of time and far CHEAPER than just randomly sending divers or boats into water sources....
Just a calculated guess.... time, I believe was of the essence ....

Yes, this is true.
I read that they found the Cherokee because when doing an aerial search, they spotted a body of water that had oil floating at the top.

[nanarawks]

This just breaks your heart doesn't it? I am so sorry for those families.

[AZCHARGED]

I have always carried something in my vehicle that will break glass very efficiently having grown up near the Great Lakes. I still carry it as a habit and as self-protection. The thought of this tragedy just gives me chills. So, so sad.

[Lynden1000]

How tragic. :sad:

I'm always terrified that this will happen to me when I drive near bodies of water, and I already know I would panic and drown. I've panicked at far less dangerous things.

[Chica]

isn't there something that will break a window in your car if you are trapped under water? can a car door be opened after the car fills with water? i have heard both are true but, i really don't know this tragedy made me think of my grandchildren the ages of these 3 girls and would they know how to escape a sunken car. that is something we all should know because a tragedy like this could happen to anyone.

Lots of info on this h a m m e r discussed last night on this thread..
http://boards.insessiontrials.com/showthread.php?t=359660

Hope CW combines this thread to that one..

[n/t]

Family, friends throw softballs into pond in remembrance
The family, friends and coaches of three Dickinson State University softball players who were found dead in a submerged Jeep Tuesday threw softballs into the pond where the young women were found.
http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/article/id/29039/

Memorial In Brandon for Ashley Neufeld
11/4/2009
Friends and former teammates of Ashley Neufeld have held an impromptu memorial service in her hometown of Brandon. Dozens of people marked the life of the star softball player at a local ball diamond, drawing a large heart in the infield dirt and placing flowers at second base.
http://www.cjob.com/News/Local/Story.aspx?ID=1161721

:rose: :rose: :rose:

[NatalieB]

I have always carried something in my vehicle that will break glass very efficiently having grown up near the Great Lakes. I still carry it as a habit and as self-protection. The thought of this tragedy just gives me chills. So, so sad.

That's a good idea, but if you don't know what to expect, your odds wouldn't be very good at surviving unless you could get out of the vehicle before it went under.

They say you should wait till the car if filled with water before trying to make your escape because 1, you won't be able to open the door because of the water pressure, and 2, even if you were to get the window broke out, the water would still rush in so fast that you couldn't fight it to escape. The best thing do to is not panic (yeah, easier said than done), allow the car to fill up with water, then swim out the window to the surface with no water pressure working against you. There will be enough air to sustain you in the vehicle till it's filled.

It really makes so much sense, yet why aren't we trained to handle situations like these? Those girls were in such a panic that at that point, they weren't thinking of, what can/should we do?

I just had a conversation with my daughter about this asking her what she'd do. She'd have made every wrong move she could have. When I see my son, I'm going to discuss it with him too.

[Zeus]

I know, right? They did an aerial search. Can planes see through water now? They gave up and turned it over to police. Way to put a lot of effort in! They need a boat with sonar equipment to search that lake ASAP!

It wasn't a lake, it was a pond----half the size of a football field and only 12 ft deep. They didn't give up--they found the vehicle in less than 48 hours so I'd say they did a pretty good job.

[momof6]

That's a good idea, but if you don't know what to expect, your odds wouldn't be very good at surviving unless you could get out of the vehicle before it went under.

They say you should wait till the car if filled with water before trying to make your escape because 1, you won't be able to open the door because of the water pressure, and 2, even if you were to get the window broke out, the water would still rush in so fast that you couldn't fight it to escape. The best thing do to is not panic (yeah, easier said than done), allow the car to fill up with water, then swim out the window to the surface with no water pressure working against you. There will be enough air to sustain you in the vehicle till it's filled.

It really makes so much sense, yet why aren't we trained to handle situations like these? Those girls were in such a panic that at that point, they weren't thinking of, what can/should we do?

I just had a conversation with my daughter about this asking her what she'd do. She'd have made every wrong move she could have. When I see my son, I'm going to discuss it with him too.


I live around several lakes and have always been told to crack the window and let the water slowly fill the vehicle just as you explained. I had a friend that went in the lake in his pickup truck and did just what you described. Only bad thing was that he said it was so dark in the water, it is hard to tell which way is up and which is down. Not sure how he figured it out.

[SnowWhite]

It wasn't a lake, it was a pond----half the size of a football field and only 12 ft deep. They didn't give up--they found the vehicle in less than 48 hours so I'd say they did a pretty good job.

They did a fine job. Any time there is a case with such senseless deaths of young people I think we tend to get angry and project that anger.

I'm sure LE out there is simply scratching their heads on this one. Odd, very odd.

One thing I do know is that I read an article the other day of a man who was punched by a stranger in a fast food restaurant and the victim then grabbed his cell phone and began to call for help. The stranger then punched him again. Perhaps instead of calling for help he should have fought back?

I'm thinking that in this case, this may indeed be what happened, people have become so dependent on their cell phones and thinking that calling on that cell phone will save them that they have forgotten how to save themselves!

We may never know.

[Chica]

Oh My..this is so sad. RIP those girls and courage to their families. :rose:

I agree with the "h a m m e r" tool. Had one in my former car..left it inside when sold it..need a new one, but have a hammer, plyers and a special blade knife in the Glovecompartment to cut seatbelts until I buy another of those devices. They can cut through glass, IIRC.

Here's a site..on what to do if caught in deep water.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2190095_survive-submerged-car.html

Someone told me to cut the engine immediately as it would give more time, perhaps, before the auto begins to sink..the engine running apparently pulls the auto down?

Danged well I'm going to explain this several times to my kid...doesn't drive (yet) but to know what to do even as a passenger.

Gosh..this is just so tragic for those families.

jmo

J

I am certainly not going to argue with your very helpful link, but I would not shut off the engine until after I opened the electric windows, so I think that would not be a good thing to suggest. But, thank you for your info.

[Chica]

Yes, this is true.
I read that they found the Cherokee because when doing an aerial search, they spotted a body of water that had oil floating at the top.


Sorry for my ignorance, but what is a stock pond?

[Chica]

They did a fine job. Any time there is a case with such senseless deaths of young people I think we tend to get angry and project that anger.

I'm sure LE out there is simply scratching their heads on this one. Odd, very odd.

One thing I do know is that I read an article the other day of a man who was punched by a stranger in a fast food restaurant and the victim then grabbed his cell phone and began to call for help. The stranger then punched him again. Perhaps instead of calling for help he should have fought back?

I'm thinking that in this case, this may indeed be what happened, people have become so dependent on their cell phones and thinking that calling on that cell phone will save them that they have forgotten how to save themselves!

We may never know.

That is such a good point! What good would it do to call someone? Time spent....:crying:

[NatalieB]

I live around several lakes and have always been told to crack the window and let the water slowly fill the vehicle just as you explained. I had a friend that went in the lake in his pickup truck and did just what you described. Only bad thing was that he said it was so dark in the water, it is hard to tell which way is up and which is down. Not sure how he figured it out.

See there, that's not something I would have ever considered. Why are we not trained to handle these types of situations? It really wouldn't take much doing, ya know? Yet, no one seems to speak of it.

[lune3]

I'm having such a hard time reading about these poor girls.
Had a nightmare about it last night. Many years ago, a family I knew with 2 small children went into a canal, in winter, slid from the road. They couldn't be saved. To this day it still haunts me.
I feel so badly for the girls, the horror they must have experienced. I can't imagine what their families are going through. My heart goes out to them. It's such a freak senseless tragedy, so many if onlys.

[Clara Harris]

Sorry for my ignorance, but what is a stock pond?

Chica, we're on same threads tonite. lol

Stock pond was manmade for the farm's livestock to drink from is how I understood it. It was only 25yds by 25 yds or so IIRC.

[ChocHollyK]

I am certainly not going to argue with your very helpful link, but I would not shut off the engine until after I opened the electric windows, so I think that would not be a good thing to suggest. But, thank you for your info.

You can shut off the engine and still have power by not turning the ignition/key ALL the way off....
You leave it on "ACC" (accessory/accessories)... it may be called something else now, I haven't bought a new car in a long time...
so then you still have the ability to operate power features, but the engine is not running.....

[Debb]

I certainly can understand how difficult it would be to escape from being trapped in a car in water. I have seen demonstrations on tv many times, but I can't imagine that I would be able to do it. I do intend to get one of those devices with a sharp point on it that will break the glass if you hit it right in the center of the window. Still you have to ensure you can easily have access to it during an emergency. Not much time to fumble through your glove compartment when water is rushing into the vehicle.

What really mystifies me is them driving off of a road onto private terrain in the dark. Wouldn't you likely be confronted with holes, poles, ditches, fences, etc. on private property that is not necessarily be maintained for vehicle travel. Many of these things could have caused major damage to the car and damaged the property owners property. I saw a photo of the pond this morning. I just don't get how they got anywhere near it. How far away was the nearest public road? I'm not blaming anyone, just trying to understand. I just want them to make absolutley certain that no foul play was involved.

[FreeCell]

When this story first broke and it was thought perhaps the girls were kidnapped, there was tons of news coverage.
When news broke on JVM's show that this was an accident, JVM talked about it for the remainder of her show.

Since then all news coverage has stopped.
(probably covered locally, I don't know)

Kind of bothers me that it has to be a "crime" to be cable newsworthy.

[dreamtime]

http://www.usnews.com/blogs/paper-trail/2009/11/04/3-dickinson-state-university-students-found-dead.html

Classes at Dickinson State were canceled today. A memorial service will be scheduled for later this week, the Press reports.

more at link..

[walton]

I certainly can understand how difficult it would be to escape from being trapped in a car in water. I have seen demonstrations on tv many times, but I can't imagine that I would be able to do it. I do intend to get one of those devices with a sharp point on it that will break the glass if you hit it right in the center of the window. Still you have to ensure you can easily have access to it during an emergency. Not much time to fumble through your glove compartment when water is rushing into the vehicle.

What really mystifies me is them driving off of a road onto private terrain in the dark. Wouldn't you likely be confronted with holes, poles, ditches, fences, etc. on private property that is not necessarily be maintained for vehicle travel. Many of these things could have caused major damage to the car and damaged the property owners property. I saw a photo of the pond this morning. I just don't get how they got anywhere near it. How far away was the nearest public road? I'm not blaming anyone, just trying to understand. I just want them to make absolutley certain that no foul play was involved.

One turn leads to another.

I live in a rural community. I grew up in a rural community.

One of the joys of doing so is the freedom and the adventure. Going down prairie trails bouncing with your vehicle. Looking at the huge open skies and seeing the bright stars amid the black sky. If you listen closely the sounds of the night may whisper stories that no others can hear or tell.


:rose:

[walton]

When this story first broke and it was thought perhaps the girls were kidnapped, there was tons of news coverage.
When news broke on JVM's show that this was an accident, JVM talked about it for the remainder of her show.

Since then all news coverage has stopped.
(probably covered locally, I don't know)

Kind of bothers me that it has to be a "crime" to be cable newsworthy.

I think the media outlets did a fantastic job covering the story. Three girls were missing and a Huge amount of people were looking for them and or their vehicle.

Awareness is the key. :rose:

[AmndaRcknwth]

You can see the pond here:
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=35301


a few captures:
http://i34.tinypic.com/2e2nwuq.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/oq9d8n.jpg

tire track where they went in:
http://i38.tinypic.com/11l4zdj.jpg

[TheGoat]

You can see the pond here:
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=35301


a few captures:
http://i34.tinypic.com/2e2nwuq.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/oq9d8n.jpg

tire track where they went in:
http://i38.tinypic.com/11l4zdj.jpg

Was it ever mentioned how they possibley ended up in the water? From that pic it doesnt look that deep along the edges.

[jakee]

I'm having such a hard time reading about these poor girls.
Had a nightmare about it last night. Many years ago, a family I knew with 2 small children went into a canal, in winter, slid from the road. They couldn't be saved. To this day it still haunts me.
I feel so badly for the girls, the horror they must have experienced. I can't imagine what their families are going through. My heart goes out to them. It's such a freak senseless tragedy, so many if onlys.

How awful. I cannot imagine what the family you knew went threw as well as these 3 young women and the dog. I can't stop thinking about it either and the panic that must have set in. I am buying the window breaking devices for my daughters!

[AmndaRcknwth]

Was it ever mentioned how they possibley ended up in the water? From that pic it doesnt look that deep along the edges.

They'd gone out stargazing... which is just amazing in the northland.
They'd ventured off the gravel road into a farm field. If you look at the first tinypic link http://i34.tinypic.com/2e2nwuq.jpg you can see the parents/friends/teammates cars going to the pond on one of those tractor paths.

In the dark, it's likely they didn't even see the pond.

I'm guessing they were more or less following the lights to the houses on the road to get back to the road. Just a theory.

[ChocHollyK]

Ohhnnnn Geeeeeezzzzz...
the dog... dammit....
I by no means intend to minimize the horrific deaths of these girls and what they must have been feeling...

but damn..... the dog.... I am a certified sucker for animals and much of my love and caring for them is that they can't reason out and speak out like humans can... they are SMART but when I say they can't 'reason out', I mean, they don't understand pain, confusion, etc....
and this event must have just been soooo horrific, and damn......

what the dog must have been thinking... wondering if he/she felt betrayed, confused, etc., wondering why this was happening....

Please please understand... I don't say this to minimize the horrible loss of the girls.... I just keep thinking what must this dog have been thinking... doing... struggling to get free, to get everyone free???
Accckkk, GAWD, this whole thing is just SOOOO incredibly tragic....
Please don't think I'm thoughtless or terrible... I just can't help it, I'm a fool when it comes to animals.... And really, the reactions of ALL of them as they came to know surely that they were not going to successfully escape....
Young Girl Beauties, Rest in sweet peace in the arms of your loving maker.... Sweet PuppyDog, rest along with your owner, live out all your doggie dreams up there with your owner.....

[aproudmom]

You can see the pond here:
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=35301


a few captures:
http://i34.tinypic.com/2e2nwuq.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/oq9d8n.jpg

tire track where they went in:
http://i38.tinypic.com/11l4zdj.jpg

So sad it says on more Goodbye:sad:

[aproudmom]

How awful. I cannot imagine what the family you knew went threw as well as these 3 young women and the dog. I can't stop thinking about it either and the panic that must have set in. I am buying the window breaking devices for my daughters!

I bought them for my family one Christmas and they thought I was nuts but it has always been a fear of mine to be trapped and drown so I have had one right next to my seat since I was 18.

[aproudmom]

this could be a life savor this is what I have and got for all my family members

http://www.lifehammer.com/
Breaks car side windows
• Cuts through jammed safety belts

[aproudmom]

this could be a life savor this is what I have and got for all my family members

http://www.lifehammer.com/
Breaks car side windows
• Cuts through jammed safety belts

well crap the smilie took over the url sorry about that but I think you get the idea what the url is

[aproudmom]

Cell phone forensic expert credited for locating missing students

Ogden got the call this week to help locate missing Dickinson State University students Kyrstin Gemar, 22, of San Diego; Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Manitoba; and Afton Williamson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, Calif. The three women were reported missing late Sunday night after calling two friends for help at 11:17 p.m. and 11:18 p.m. During the scratchy call, the caller mentioned water, police said.

http://www.bismarcktribune.com/news/local/article_d7dea134-ca32-11de-9164-001cc4c03286.html

[lune3]

this could be a life savor this is what I have and got for all my family members

http://www.lifehammer.com/
Breaks car side windows
• Cuts through jammed safety belts

Thank you proudmom.......I just ordered 2 of them (one for my daughter) from one of the stores listed. They are being shipped.

(the link you posted works, even with the smilie)

[jakee]

this could be a life savor this is what I have and got for all my family members

http://www.lifehammer.com/
Breaks car side windows
• Cuts through jammed safety belts

Thank you so much for the link. They come in pink too for breast cancer awareness! Excellent Christmas stocking idea.

ChocHollyK, I understand what you are saying about the dog. Breaks my heart too. The whole thing does. :sad:

[Zeus]

A professor at the University of Manitoba states that a vehicle will float for 30 seconds to two minutes and that's the best time to get out of a vehicle through the window.

He also keeps his hammer device hanging from his rear view mirror---good place to keep it if you ask me.

http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/139962/

[Breazy]

You can see the pond here:
http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=35301


a few captures:
http://i34.tinypic.com/2e2nwuq.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/oq9d8n.jpg

tire track where they went in:
http://i38.tinypic.com/11l4zdj.jpg

Just what I had wondered about....the ground sloped down to the water. Wonder what they were doing there to begin with? This isn't the lake where they normally went star gazing. We'll probably never know.

[FreeCell]

I think the media outlets did a fantastic job covering the story. Three girls were missing and a Huge amount of people were looking for them and or their vehicle.

Awareness is the key. :rose:

Huh?:confused:
I didn't say people were not looking for the girls.

I said CABLE NEWS gave very little coverage of this story AFTER it was discovered it was an accident, not a crime.

[debbadoo]

Dear Ashley was buried today. If anyone else has a story to post about Kyrstin or Afton, please post it.


http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/Parents_-friends_-coaches-pay-tearful-tribute-to-young-softball-star_.html


:rose:

[b_ritt09]

Originally Posted by Riverwalk!
Don't know. I can't figure out how they just sat there and went in the water and didn't get out. Twelve feet of water isn't that much, imo.

We'll see after they do autopsy.


Ok...Riverwalk. I like how you just assume there is something more to this than just an accident. I play softball with two of the girls. I was really close to them. Kyrstin didn't just sit there and say ok whatever were just gonna sit here and do nothing. She was a fighter along with the other girls. They were scared and frantic just like you would be. Maybe, if you havent see but two of the girls were found in the back trying to break the window. And if you think its so easy to get out I would like to see you try and get out when you don't know what the hell is going on along with the water being 30-40 degrees. I really wish you have a lil more sympathy for everyone that was involved. Sorry but I just dont think you should say something when you know nothing.

And to clear this all up. The three girls always go stargazing. They were on a farmers property. YES it gets VERY dark there and its not easy to see. In north dakota, we have a lot of hills, not big hill but big enough to where you cant see on the other side. The girls were driving and went right into the stock pond. They were scared, frantic and we all wish they didnt have to go through that. We all wished it was just a flat and were waiting for help. We love them and miss them very much and may the rest in peace. They will forever be 10,11,12 players on the field and I know they are ok and cant be hurt now. We will forever remember the memories we shared but its still hard to believe. Thank you everyone else to prayed and is still praying for us and the families.

RIP
A.K.A

[debbadoo]

b ritt09, I am very sorry for the loss of your friends and teammates. I cannot imagine the pain you all feel. Some people will never understand unless it happens to them. Everyone has an answer. I have heard about the study by a University of Manitoba professor, and he states you have between 30 seconds to a minute to get out before the vehicle is completely submerged. That is not a lot of time to get your mind around the fact that you are sinking and it is cold and it is dark. I cannot fathom the fear that those three young ladies felt. But, like you said, nothing can hurt them anymore. Bless you. (((HUGS)))

[lune3]

b ritt09. My heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of your dear friends and teammates.

What happened is a terrible tragedy. Hopefully a small legacy will be that information on how to escape a submerged car may save someones else's life. Myself, I have ordered two Life Hammers, one for myself and one for my daughter, that will always be in our cars in case of emergency (water or fire). The general public for the most part is not aware that pressure from the water prevents one from opening doors, and that windows cannot open after the electrical power is disabled, and breaking a window with an appropriate device is the only option for possible survival. In my original home town of Amsterdam, with all its canals, such a tool is a common thing to have in one's vehicle. My heart goes out to their parents, families, and friends.

[Riverwalk!]

Originally Posted by Riverwalk!
Don't know. I can't figure out how they just sat there and went in the water and didn't get out. Twelve feet of water isn't that much, imo.

We'll see after they do autopsy.


Ok...Riverwalk. I like how you just assume there is something more to this than just an accident. I play softball with two of the girls. I was really close to them. Kyrstin didn't just sit there and say ok whatever were just gonna sit here and do nothing. She was a fighter along with the other girls. They were scared and frantic just like you would be. Maybe, if you havent see but two of the girls were found in the back trying to break the window. And if you think its so easy to get out I would like to see you try and get out when you don't know what the hell is going on along with the water being 30-40 degrees. I really wish you have a lil more sympathy for everyone that was involved. Sorry but I just dont think you should say something when you know nothing.

And to clear this all up. The three girls always go stargazing. They were on a farmers property. YES it gets VERY dark there and its not easy to see. In north dakota, we have a lot of hills, not big hill but big enough to where you cant see on the other side. The girls were driving and went right into the stock pond. They were scared, frantic and we all wish they didnt have to go through that. We all wished it was just a flat and were waiting for help. We love them and miss them very much and may the rest in peace. They will forever be 10,11,12 players on the field and I know they are ok and cant be hurt now. We will forever remember the memories we shared but its still hard to believe. Thank you everyone else to prayed and is still praying for us and the families.

RIP
A.K.A

Sorry you are upset by my posting AT THE TIME. We didn't know if the girls had been harmed. We didn't know if the girls were being chased, were injured, etc. I've had 3 friends murdered so I am very familiar with tragedy.

This board posts about any and all cases in the news whether it's an Amber Alert or missing person(s) case. We try to find clues, send in tips of registered sex offenders in the area, we physically go search with LE or TES, etc. but all of us pray/wish for a good outcome. Your friends were gone too soon by accident. Prayers to all their friends and families for all time.

[fastpitch]

Ritt 09,

Thanks for writing in. I have a DD that is 21 and I can imagine the families pain.

DD lost one of her fellow pitchers to a car accident her senior year. It was awful and it didn't get better for a long time.

There is an ignore feature on this board, if you don't like what some people are posting.

I teared up just watching the families on TV. My condolences to you. Dedicate next season to the girls.

[b_ritt09]

b ritt09, I am very sorry for the loss of your friends and teammates. I cannot imagine the pain you all feel. Some people will never understand unless it happens to them. Everyone has an answer. I have heard about the study by a University of Manitoba professor, and he states you have between 30 seconds to a minute to get out before the vehicle is completely submerged. That is not a lot of time to get your mind around the fact that you are sinking and it is cold and it is dark. I cannot fathom the fear that those three young ladies felt. But, like you said, nothing can hurt them anymore. Bless you. (((HUGS)))

Thank you. It is still hard to figure out and simply believe. I think when this weekend comes, it will actually hit me because one of the girls funerals is this weekend. I thnk you for your prayers and understanding. Bless you!

[b_ritt09]

b ritt09. My heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of your dear friends and teammates.

What happened is a terrible tragedy. Hopefully a small legacy will be that information on how to escape a submerged car may save someones else's life. Myself, I have ordered two Life Hammers, one for myself and one for my daughter, that will always be in our cars in case of emergency (water or fire). The general public for the most part is not aware that pressure from the water prevents one from opening doors, and that windows cannot open after the electrical power is disabled, and breaking a window with an appropriate device is the only option for possible survival. In my original home town of Amsterdam, with all its canals, such a tool is a common thing to have in one's vehicle. My heart goes out to their parents, families, and friends.


You said it right, A terrible tragedy did happen. An accident. Something thats not suppose to happen so someone you know much less to anyone. I am happy that you have ordered a life hammer. I am looking into one also because drowning is one of my biggest fears. Just be prepared is all I ask people to take from this and learn from others mistakes. Let people know where you are at all times. and stay on the roads. . bless you and thank you for all your prayers

[debbadoo]

Thank you. It is still hard to figure out and simply believe. I think when this weekend comes, it will actually hit me because one of the girls funerals is this weekend. I thnk you for your prayers and understanding. Bless you!

Is it Afton or Kyrstin's funeral? Whoever it is, my thoughts will be with the family. I was very impressed to read that Kyrstin's parents attended Ashley's funeral. I thought with all that they have been through, for them to do that for the Neufeld's was a beautiful gesture, and I am sure the Neufeld's will respond in kind.

[FreeCell]

"None of the three young university softball players who drowned earlier this month had alcohol in their system when their vehicle sank into a North Dakota pond.


Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said partial toxicology reports came back negative on Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Man., and Kyrstin Gemar, 22, and 20-year-old Afton Williamson, both from California.


"There was no alcohol found in either of the girls and the cause of death was drowning," Tuhy said Thursday. "Any other drug tests or anything like that have not come back across my desk.


"We don't suspect any foul play, that's for sure. This is just one of those unfortunate accidents . . ."


Tuhy said full autopsy results could take up to six months.


The three women — all students at Dickinson State University — were believed to have been out stargazing on Nov. 1 when they drove into a 3.6-metre-deep pond in dark conditions near Dickinson, in southwestern North Dakota.


Two cellphone calls were placed from the Jeep before the calls went dead. Their bodies were found two days later."

http://www.canada.com/news/Alcohol+ruled+crash+that+killed+Canadian/2242803/story.html

[kellann62]

I feel sad for the girls, the puppy and their families and friends. I thought about getting one of those devices but I think I would still totally panic. May they rest in peace and God hold all close.

Kel