Nasawi ang isang 20-anyos na college gymnast mula Connecticut State University matapos mahulog habang nag-eensayo, noong Linggo, ika-10 ng Nobyembre.
Ayon sa report ng university spokesman na si Ken Sweeten, nagpa-practice si Melanie Coleman nang mahulog sa uneven bars nakaraang Biyernes.
Itinuturing na ‘complete accident’ ng kanyang coach na si Thomas Alberti ang nangyari sa dalaga.
“It’s just not something that anybody can process,” aniya.
Sabi naman ng athletic director ng unibersidad na si Jay Moran, “At this time, our thoughts and prayers are with Melanie’s family. This has been devastating to her coaches and teammates.”
Kumukuha ng Nursing degree si Coleman at nagtuturo bilang part-time gymnastics instructor sa Alberti’s gym, New Era Gymnastics.
“I was her full-time coach for 10 years. She was always a leader at my gym. She was the leader that everyone looked up to,” ani Alberti.
Inalarawan niya si Coleman bilang matulungin at mabuting tao.
Kwento naman ni Jerry Nelson, ang retired head coach sa unibersidad, “Melanie was an extraordinary young lady that positively touched all that knew her. Melanie was a true team player, a hard worker, and a true pleasure to coach.”
Para sa naiwang pamilya ni Coleman, siya ang itinuturing na ‘light and love’ ng buong mag-anak.
“We are confident that her spirit, laughter, and humor will live on through the ones who loved her most, as well as through the gift of life to those who needed it most through organ donation,” saad nila.
