Friday, May 17, 2013
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Update: Parade Walker Killed At Alaska Pridefest ParadeThe Alaska Gay Pridefest has been going on all week long, but it took a turn for the worst on 6th Avenue Saturday morning. It’s where the weekend parade began, and one man’s life ended.Related Content
Shortly after 11:15 a.m. the downtown festival turned to tragedy. The Celebrate Diversity Parade at Alaska’s Gay Pridefest 2011 came to a halt Saturday morning, after James L. Crump, a 50-year old Anchorage resident, was struck and killed by a car.
"The vehicle that struck him was the Grand Marshal's vehicle, and as I understand it, he was walking in the parade, he was part of the parade, as well,” said Lt. Dave Parker, Anchorage Police Department.
Parker said Crump was holding a banner and getting ready to march in front of the vehicle, a 1971 Triumph Stag convertible, carrying the Grand Master of the Pridefest Parade, Doug Frank.
As the parade prepared to kick off near the corner of 6th Avenue and E Street, police said Edith Bailey, a 70-year old resident from Eagle River, lost control of the Grand Marshal’s vehicle.
"Apparently she was told to slow down and instead of hitting the brakes to slow it down apparently her foot went on the accelerator and the rest was a blur," said Nick Pestrikoff Jr., an onlooker at the parade.
"When the vehicle struck him it apparently went over him and drug him somewhat on the pavement,” said Parker.
Police declared Crump dead at the scene after failed attempts to resuscitate him using CPR. The said he died as a result of head injuries.
"Obviously it's still hit the community hard and it's something that, there's going to be, I can only imagine, an extra degree of caution next year for this," said Ryan Lawton, a parade participant.
Crump was a Registered Nurse who worked for the Municipality of Anchorage Department of Health and Human Services.
Police say 6th Avenue was closed for nearly 2 hours so APD Traffic Collision Investigators could conduct their scene investigation. Pridefest organizers and participants moved to the Delaney Parkstrip, looking for solace after the morning tragedy.
This is an ongoing investigation; KTVA-CBS 11 will update you as the information becomes available.
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cheryllynn said on Saturday, Jun 25 at 2:05 PM
What a tragic start to one of our City's Annual events. My sincere condolences to those who had to witness a fellow neighbor's death in such a public way. My prayers are with them, with the driver of the vehicle, the fallen and certainly the families of all. My small hometown in Wisconsin had a vehicle strike someone along the side of their parade. It forever changed their parade style as I am sure it will all future Anchorage parades.
69659291Lynne Sangster said on Saturday, Jun 25 at 2:19 PM
This really saddened me to hear that someone was killed along the parade route for the annual Pride Parade. I am sending love to all of you and prayers for all affected.
69659647gene said on Saturday, Jun 25 at 3:37 PM
obviously it was an accident. The driver must feel beyound awful. It is a tragedy.
69661634Michael said on Saturday, Jun 25 at 3:40 PM
The driver of the car, who for her privacy I will just call "EB", must be devastated! She provides foster care for young people and has for many years. She is a long time, dedicated advocate for the glbt community. This was simply a terrible accident... She, and the gentleman who passed today, "JC", were both fixtures in the Anchorage community.
69661778GuestAK said on Saturday, Jun 25 at 6:02 PM
Just another example that gay life style can be deadly.
69666569John Boehner said on Saturday, Jun 25 at 8:30 PM
His will be done.
69672882anonymous said on Saturday, Jun 25 at 9:59 PM
Dear GuestAK, We get one day a year to celebrate each other. Today, we lost a valued member of our community. This not the place or time for input such as yours. My heart goes out to James, his friends and family, and to Edith. GuestAK said today at 6:02 PM Just another example that gay life style can be deadly.
69675232Kirk said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 12:52 AM
Thank you for your honest report and show of support
69677473Debbie Crump said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 9:09 AM
Thank you for your kind words and support. James was a wonderful man and a devoted brother. Our family misses him terribly.
69691902The Lord said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 12:49 PM
Works in mysterious ways!
69699716Ed said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 1:36 PM
Debbie, I was one of your brother's teachers at UAA. He was always a joy to have around and the other students really liked him. Those of you taking this time to be homophobic on this thread, can you wait for another time that is less tragic? That would be great. James was a good guy and he deserved better.
69701264Debbie said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 1:54 PM
Thank you Ed, James was a good guy. He has 2 sisters and 3 brothers and one remaining parent (dad) and we were all so proud of him when he got his RN recently.
69701829michelle said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 2:01 PM
Debbie - those of us who worked with James are going to really, really miss him. He was a joy to work with and be around. He was compassionate with his patients and always had a smile on his face. Let us know if we can help the family with anything.....
69702037Ed said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 2:30 PM
Debbie, I thought you and your family would appreciate this: I never liked being called "professor," because I don't have a master's. So James decided I should be addressed as "Coach." For the rest of the semester, he did so, and it stuck. I saw him awhile later, right before he graduated, and, of course, he called me Coach. I spent 10 years at UAA, and James is one of a dozen or so students who I will truly remember fondly.
69702882Debbie Crump said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 3:18 PM
Ed and Michelle you made us smile today. God Bless you all
69704364Virginia said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 4:57 PM
I used to work with James at FedEx. He was a very loving and compassionate person who will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult moment.
69707287Remington stever said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 5:04 PM
Debbie my love and prayers to you and your family,James was a wonderful person
69707502Steve crump said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 6:58 PM
My brother was one of the most loving, caring and compassionate person I have ever been around - the world needs more of his kind of energy - he will be missed by many.
69711342Deb Johnson said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 8:14 PM
My cousin was one of the greatest guys in the world who added so much to my life over the years. I have great pride in this man who stood up for his convictions in a gentlemanly way, a gentle man who devoted his life to helping people as a nurse, and who will be greatly missed. Many thanks to his friends and co-workers for their comments. -- a cousin in Mississippi
69713787Anonymous said on Sunday, Jun 26 at 10:13 PM
Dear Armand Sr.& Patricia (RIP), Steven, Debbie, Annette, Armand, Chuck, I am devastated to learn this, and very sorry for your loss ! James Crump was/is a caring & compassionate man. He will be greatly missed by many. My Love and thoughts are with you all. Kirk Hammond
69715917Rose Etheridge said on Monday, Jun 27 at 7:12 AM
James was always a bright addition to our boxing class, he made me smile and was the most gentle soul I had ever been blessed to meet. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
69731672wacker said on Monday, Jun 27 at 4:11 PM
psssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
69765882Alaska said on Monday, Jun 27 at 8:56 PM
So sorry! RIP
69777888momflorn said on Monday, Jun 27 at 10:14 PM
Compassion knows no gender! May those who feel the urge to insult and offend learn compassion. One day they may need a little!!!
69779462Denali Alaska said on Monday, Jun 27 at 10:17 PM
RIP James
69779502Respect said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 4:19 AM
My sincerest condolences go out to everyone touched by the Saturdays tragic events. As for those who choose this time of grief to voice opinions for 'the LORD', condemn and pass judgments on others, you are the lowest form of scum and evil and no amount of backing your hate up with the word of 'GOD' will make you as decent a person as the man these people loved and lost. You should be ashamed of yourselves for a)using this tragic event to spout your hate b)for believing in a 'God' who would condone you doing so and c) having the arrogance to think that if there is a 'God', you have any business speaking on his behalf at a time like this. The level of hate, cruelty and ignorance in the minds and hearts of people like you is mindboggling. With black souls such as yours I imagine you are grasping at straws looking to be 'saved'. Good luck with that. If there is a 'better place', I am sure the caring man whose life was cut short will be welcomed with open arms. May he rest in peace.
69787322Deb Johnson said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 5:58 AM
For anonymous: You cannot win by attempting to denigrate the character of my cousin James for it is indestructible. Here in Mississippi your comments would be ascribed to the dying Klan, fearful narcissitic ragers whose sun is setting, creating more activists in their fading shadow. There would be no need to even address the post but his nieces and nephews are surely wondering how anyone could say anything against their beloved uncle at such a time. The answer is that some people are willfully ignorant. That is all. Face your feet forward toward the funny, gentle and compassionate LIGHT cast by your Uncle James, and think no more of those who choose the shadows. Love to all my cousins.
69793757Deb Johnson said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 6:10 AM
Sorry, I meant 'narcissistic.' And special love to my Uncle Armand today. I'm thinking of you, Uncle.
69794493jeminak said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 9:24 AM
So sorry to hear of this tragedy.. My condolences to the family and friends. Peace to you J.C.
69807924jeminak said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 9:28 AM
@GuestAK.. It saddens me to see such malicious ignorance following such a tragedy.. Stupid is what's deadly.. Plain and simple..
69808197Anonymous said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 9:56 AM
It is sad to know where his soul may have gone. I wish all gays could see where he has gone, because gays will never enter heaven with the Lord. If only gays knew this they would turn from their shameful life style and repent. I hate to see the moral values of America rotting away.
69810362Bill said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 10:22 AM
Is there any truth to the rumor that Crump was a Prevo zealot that gave his life for the Temple's extreme homophobia?
69811937jeminak said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 10:43 AM
@Anonymous.. To start with my understanding is that The Bible is a book about God -- not a book about human sexuality. In Genesis it is written that it is "natural" that a man and a woman come together to create a new life, So what about..couples who are unable to have children..couples who are too old to have children..couples who choose not to have children..people who are single are they considered unnatural as well.. sinners per-say?? A little more food for thought..LEVITICUS 18:22 AND 20:13 THE HOLINESS CODE.. This code includes many of the outdated sexual laws..It also includes prohibitions against round haircuts, tattoos, working on the Sabbath, wearing garments of mixed fabrics, eating pork or shellfish, getting your fortune told, and even playing with the skin of a pig. (There goes football!)How many good so called "Christians" follow these rules??
69813251We care said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 10:47 AM
Wehen I was reading some of the comments it saddens me to read that there would be such negative remarks made. As far as "Christianity" being a dying religion "your right" Romans Chapter 1 and as we are living in the last days it will get worse, but, to all the brothers and sisters do not lose hope because the day of redemption is drawing near. And to the pople that is being attacked God out of his mercy is calling out to you to repent and call on the same Jesus who forgave my sins.
69813514Debbie Crump said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 10:55 AM
Go cousin Deb in Mississippi. Beautifully said.
69814096Theresa said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 12:44 PM
Why is the banner of hatred always flown under the name “Anonymous”? Own up to your bigotry; have the courage to let the community know who you are. Show compassion for the family and friends who loved this man.
69820772Lynne Sangster said on Tuesday, Jun 28 at 1:43 PM
I grieve the loss of James to all of us and especially his family. James was a loving and generous person and he was a gave a lot to life and will always be remembered. Blessings on all.
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