Camp issues statement on deck collapse

Glacier Presbytery issued a statement Tuesday following the collapse of their deck Saturday evening, resulting in the injury of about 50 people.

According to the camp spokesperson Marsha Anson, the cause of the collapse is not yet known, but an investigation of the incident is currently underway.

As a precautionary measure, Anson said a contractor has performed an inspection of the other camp structures to ensure safety.

The incident in Lakeside occurred during a memorial service for William Nickel where friends and relatives were gathered. Around 50 people were standing on the second-story deck for a few minutes when it broke and collapsed, according to witnesses.

Medical personnel from surrounding towns and counties responded, including helicopters from ALERT and Life Flight that flew at least five critically injured victims as far away as Missoula and Seattle.

One victim underwent spinal surgery Monday morning at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle to repair a fractured vertebra as a result from the collapse. A Go Fund Me account (www.www.gofundme.com/christi-briney-medical-fund) has been created to help raise funds for medical expenses for Christi Briney.

As of Tuesday afternoon, seven patients treated at Kalispell Regional Healthcare remain hospitalized, according to Communication and Marketing Director Mellody Sharpton.

No fatalities resulted from the incident and all remaining patients are now stable and in good condition, according to Sharpton.

“We continue to pray for those injured in Saturday’s accident and for their families and the medical teams caring for them,” Anson said. “We are grateful to first responders and staff members who helped the injured.”

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.