The Wichita State ceremony marks the 54th anniversary of the deadly plane crash involving a football team

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – On Wednesday, Wichita State University remembered a deadly plane crash that devastated the Shocker football program.

In an annual memorial ceremony, a wreath was laid at the university’s Memorial ’70.

On October 2, 1970, a plane carrying WSU football players, athletic staff and team boosters crashed on a mountain near Silver Plume, Colorado, en route to Utah around 3 p.m. The team was on its way to a game with Utah State University.

The “golden” aircraft, a Martin 404, carried 36 passengers and a crew of four. 29 people died at the scene of the accident. Coach Tom Reeves and player John Taylor later died.

Football players and coaches on the “black” plane were notified of the crash shortly after arriving in Utah. The game was canceled.

Former Wichita State Ray Buford remembered the unfortunate tragedy 54 years later.

“I’m sure there are several people who thought it was a preventable tragedy that made things worse,” he said. “Think of all the people who were involved in this and it’s just a shame that they weren’t able to move on with their lives and see what some have turned into.”

Six crash survivors shared their thoughts about what it was like on the plane before the crash.

You can view their stories here: https://www.wichita.edu/services/memorial/reflections.php

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