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High school pole vaulter dies in Walla Walla
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- A high school athlete who was critically injured in a pole vaulting accident at Walla Walla has died.

St. Mary Medical Center nursing supervisor Char Brown says 18-year-old Ryan Moberg died Wednesday.

The fire department says Moberg sustained head and neck injuries Monday when he landed during an indoor practice at DeSales Catholic High School.

The director of Walla Walla Catholic Schools, David Schmitz, says a coach was present at the practice, which had been scheduled during spring break.

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/1358/story/144542.html

Athlete in critical condition
HERALD STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES
WALLA WALLA -- DeSales senior Ryan Moberg, 18, remained in critical condition Tuesday night at St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla from severe head and neck injuries suffered while practicing the pole vault Monday afternoon.

Irish coach Mike Michels would not provide details of the accident, which occurred during an indoor practice around 12:30 p.m. Monday while the school is on spring break.

He did say the team would not compete this weekend at the Carnival of Speed in Milton-Freewater.
"Beyond that, we're not sure of anything right now," said Michels, who met with the team Tuesday. "We're just trying to get through this right now. We're hanging in there. At some point, we probably will (return to competition). But right now, I'm not sure when."

Dr. David Schmitz, the executive director of Walla Walla Catholic Schools, said Moberg is not expected to survive.

Moberg, a multisport athlete at DeSales, was a Class B state qualifier in pole vault last year.

Walla Walla Fire Department officials received the emergency call at 12:33 p.m. Monday. Few other details of the accident were available Tuesday morning. Schmitz said he hadn't yet seen any report explaining what went wrong.

"He's just a super kid," Schmitz said. "This is the worst situation imaginable."

http://www.union-bulletin.com/articles/ ... cident.txt

DeSales athlete mortally injured
Ryan Moberg is not expected to survive after an accident during track practice.

By VICKI HILLHOUSE of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

WALLA WALLA -- A DeSales Catholic High School athlete was mortally injured Monday in a pole vaulting accident during track practice.


Ryan Moberg
Ryan Moberg, 18, sustained severe head and neck injuries as he landed a practice vault during the indoor session, according to the Walla Walla Fire Department. He was rushed to St. Mary Medical Center, where he remained this morning in critical condition. He is not expected to survive, said Dr. David Schmitz, executive director of Walla Walla Catholic Schools.

As word spread through the community Monday afternoon, classmates and staff flooded the hospital to support Moberg, an "extremely well-liked" student and friend, Schmitz said.

"He's just a super kid," he said. "This is the worst situation imaginable."

Walla Walla Fire Department officials received the emergency call at 12:33 p.m. Monday. Few other details of the accident were available this morning. Schmitz said he hadn't yet seen any report explaining what went wrong. He said Monday's practice, which took place during spring break, was a scheduled event with a coach present.

Moberg, a multisport athlete at DeSales, was a Class B state qualifier in pole vault last year.

Schmitz said DeSales staff spread the word through a "phone tree."
The DeSales community poured into St. Mary on Monday to support Moberg and his family.

As afternoon turned to evening, students, staff and others moved across the street from the hospital to St. Patrick Catholic Church for a service led by the Rev. Tim Hays, scripture, prayers and a chance to share. From there students moved to Blanchet Hall, where DeSales fed the teens as they continued to talk about the "tragic accident," Schmitz said.

"We're just trying to provide for the family and for the DeSales community and for our students and staff at this difficult time," Schmitz said.

He said as school reconvenes Monday, counselors will be made available for any students or staff who need to talk.

"We're just focused on Ryan and his family and providing for our students and staff," Schmitz said.

"Our prayers are with the family. We're trying to provide for our community."

According to athletic.net he vaulted 10' last year. He did not compete at State in the pole vault last year as the articles say, but maybe it was a previous year.

There is a Facebook group dedicated to his memory
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10815076867

2006 State Meet Results

Some discussion on a local message board: http://xsorbit25.com/users5/bsports/ind ... pic=7965.0

this is really sad. my prayers go out to his family, friends, and fellow vaulters.

From Facebook:

As far as services go, this is what it looks like for Saturday: There will be a procession from Herring Funeral Home to the cemetary out on Howard across from the firestation. And at 11 there will be a Celebration of Life at DeSales. I hope to see as many of you there as possible. Also I think I can speak for the Mobergs and other family members that they really appreciate your support. God Bless

Josh

http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=8110075

Teen Dead Wednesday Morning After Pole-Vaulting Accident
Posted: April 2, 2008 05:26 PM
Updated: April 2, 2008 07:58 PM
WALLA WALLA, Wash. - An 18-year-old was pronounced dead Wednesday morning after a tragic pole-vaulting accident in Walla Walla.

Ryan Moberg was a senior at DeSales Catholic High School.

David Schmitz is the president of the Walla Walla Catholic Schools. He said there are about 35 students in Mobergs senior class.

He said this tight knit community is very upset and shocked about the tragic accident.

On Monday, Ryan was taken to Saint Mary's Medical Center after he fell on his head during an indoor pole-vaulting practice.

He suffered head and neck injuries and was pronounced dead Wednesday morning.

Moberg said he was an honor student and very well liked by his peers.

Friend Josh Richard said everyone is distraught. Richard said that Ryan was a great person who would do anything for his friends. He said, "Just one of those people you don't meet to often... It's going to be different... Great guy. We're definitely sorry we are not going to see him anymore."

Richard said he'll miss his friend's smile and laid back attitude the most.

http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/17248539.html

DeSales pole vaulter dies



Story Published: Apr 2, 2008 at 7:43 PM PDT
By Ryan Harris

Ryan Moberg was a well-liked student at Desales High. He was enjoying his senior year just like any other 18-year-old. Now a small school has a big void.
Mosberg died Wednesday from injuries he suffered while pole vaulting in the schools gym.
"it was a tragic accident. we have a strong community, but they're in pain, and they're greiving right now, said David Schmitz, President of the Walla Walla Catholic Schools. "We don't have the answers. We're just trying to provide the support we can for the family and the community."
Moberg also played on the schools football team, and made the honor roll. The student body loved Moberg, and he will be missed by all of his family and friends.

Oh boy, i don't like this kind of news. Seems like every few years we have a reoccourance of this type of thing. Lets hope this is not the start of another epidemic like we had in 2002. It might be a good time for everyone to make sure they are doing everything possible to assure safety. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

Jan Johnson
National Safety Chair