Tragedy Strikes Both Wolverine and Spartan Nation…

 

There is no rivalry when we deal with tragedy and real life. Our prayers are with all of those touched by this.

Austin Hatch committed to play basketball at the University of Michigan last week. Today he is in a Northern Michigan hospital recovering from a plane crash that took his father Dr. Stephen Hatch (a renowned Fort Wayne, Indiana, Doctor) and his stepmother Kim.

Hatch is from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is best friends with MSU redshirt freshman guard Russell Byrd.  Byrd is in Northern Michigan with Hatch now. The Hatch family attended Blackhawk Church in Fort Wayne where Russell Byrd’s father Kelly is the Senior Pastor.

This is the second time an air tragedy has struck the Hatch family. The first came in 2003. In that accident Austin lost his mother, sister, and brother. Dr. Hatch was able to save the life of his son Austin.  

The Byrd and Hatch families are very close and all the Spartan Nation offers our prayers for Austin and the entire Wolverine family at this tragic time.

I spoke with Kelly Byrd this afternoon.  He is asking for everyone to pray for both Austin, the Hatch family, the Blackhawk family, the Wolverine family, and all of those touched by this tragedy. I spoke with Kelly Byrd and he said, “This is a sad day. We know and understand the tragedy as their friend. As their pastor I can find comfort that I know for a fact that the Hatch family know and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and although I weep for the loss, I rejoice that I have the assurance that I will see them again.”