The call came from Rachael as she traveled home on 1 of 4 Commercial buses that the band had used for their competition in Pocatello, Idaho earlier in the day. She went on to say that one of the buses had been involved in an accident. The bus driver had blacked out, the woodwind teacher Heather Christensen attempted to take control of the bus and drive it to safety. But that isn't what happened, the bus was already in to much trouble. The bus crashed and Heather was tragically killed. A number of students were taken to the hospital in Pocatello, all with only minor injuries.
Heather was a hero that night, as her actions saved the 50 kids on the bus, who knows what would have happened had the bus crashed into the drainage ditch or the lava beds that were close to the crash site.
Rachael was not on the bus that crashed that night. I am so thankful for that. But 1/4 of the band was and that has affected all members of the band. In the days following the accident the band and the community of American Fork have come together in support of each other. The outpouring of love from bands all over the United States has been wonderful. We have truly lost a beloved member of our band, Heather's influence has been lost to people nation wide.
Heather Christensen 1976 ~ 2009 On Saturday, October 10, 2009 our Angel of Music returned home to her Heavenly Father while attempting to rescue her students from imminent danger. Heather' life culminated in an act of selfless service. Heather's life itself was about selfless service. She will be dearly missed.Born July 31, 1976 in Payson, Utah, Heather was the fourth child of six born to Kay and Annette Christensen. Heather grew up in American Fork and graduated from American Fork High in 1994. She went on to achieve Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music/Music Education from the University of Utah. From an early age Heather loved music. This love turned to passion as she honed her skills throughout her High School and University years. Heather served as Drum Major for American Fork High and the University of Utah's Marching Bands. Following graduation Heather worked as Director of Bands for the new Riverton High School, Director of Fine Arts and Marching Band for American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork, currently Assistant Director of Bands for American Fork High School's Marching Band, Advisor at Wasatch Academy, Advisor for Edge, Director for Up With Kids, and an Executive Board Member for the Utah Winter Guard Association. Always quick to offer encouragement and support to those around her, Heather had a comfortable way of helping everyone to be their best without pressure or criticism. She was a friend to all, a mentor, a counselor, an Educator in the truest sense of the word. Heather's testimony of Christ was strong and unwavering. She sought to know all she could about His life. She loved the places He walked and lived the principles He taught. She reveled in her family and her ancestry. She spent countless hours researching and preparing family history. Heather is survived by her parents: Kay Christensen, Annette Tippetts and Paul Tippetts, her grandmother Eva Dean Pace Moody, her brother David (Jamie) Christensen, her sisters Kara (Richard) Higginson, Jana (Eric) Hogenson, Natalie (Daniel) Hooge, and Lara Christensen, nieces and nephews: Richard, Nathan, Sarah, David, Matthew and Kristina Higginson; Zachary, Nathaniel and Jansson Hogensen; Brooklyn, Madison, Logan, Cameron, Corbin and Aspen Christensen; Hailey, Hayden, Harrison and Hudson Hooge and Heather's step brothers and sisters: Travis (Sandy) Tippetts, Monica (Darryl) Hillyer, Tamara (Kurt) Pullham, Tonia (David) Webb, Rose (Kenny) Davis, Paula (Brayden) Richmond and their beautiful families, as well as numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. Thanks to Melodie, Kara, Jenn, Kim, and Sarah for your friendship throughout the years. Heather, because we knew you, we have been changed for good. We want to thank the community for the overwhelming expressions of love and support for Heather and our family. It helps ease our pain to know that many knew Heather and recognize her talents and service. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the American Fork Tabernacle, 110 E. Main Street. Visitations will be held on Friday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 E. 100 N., American Fork and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Tabernacle prior to the funeral. Interment will be in the Delta City Cemetery, Delta, UT. A Scholarship Fund has been set up in Heather's memory. Contributions can be made to Wells Fargo Bank in Heather's name. In Memory of Heather, do something kind for someone today. Share a smile. Make some burden a little lighter through service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at andersonmortuary.com (obituary courtesty - Deseret News)
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