Seventh Fatality Expected After Indiana State Fair Stage Collapse

Written by Craig Shelburne

Editor's note: The Marion County coroner's office in Indianapolis said Meagan Toothman, 24, of Cincinnati was on life support Monday morning (Aug. 22) and is scheduled to undergo surgery later in the day to fulfill her wish as an organ donor. A spokesperson for the Indiana State Police told The Associated Press that Toothman died late Sunday of injuries sustained at the Indiana State Fair.

The death toll from a stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 13 is expected to climb to seven. Meagan Toothman, a 24-year-old cheerleading coach at a Cincinnati high school was placed on life support late Sunday (Aug. 21).

"Late last night it became apparent that our Meagan was no longer with us," her family said in a message on caringbridge.com, where updates were posted about her condition. "The decision was made to allow to her to be at peace. This afternoon she is scheduled for a surgery that will provide gifts of sight, health, and life to dozens who are in need."

The accident occurred at Sugarland's concert when a strong wind gust hit the stage at the outdoor grandstand and toppled a canopy, scaffolding and other equipment into the crowd just moments before Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland and their band were scheduled to go onstage.

Those who died at the scene were identified as Tammy Vandam, 42, of Wanatah, Ind.; Glenn Goodrich, 49, of Indianapolis; Alina Bigjohny, 23, of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Christina Santiago, 29, Chicago. Nathan Byrd, 51, of Indianapolis, who was part of the local stage crew working at the concert, died the following morning at a local hospital. A sixth person, college student Jennifer Haskell, died Friday (Aug. 19) from severe head injuries.

As previously reported, Nettles and Bush have announced plans to hold a memorial service for the victims at a later date. They resumed their Incredible Machine tour on Thursday night (Aug. 18) in Albuquerque, N.M., although the stage collapse in Indiana destroyed their touring equipment.