More than five months after the tragic bleacher collapse at the Kendall County Fair in Boerne, Texas, the family of 79-year-old Vera Smith is still searching for answers. The collapse injured 11 people and ultimately claimed Vera’s life. Her family, devastated by the loss, is now demanding accountability and change to prevent future tragedies.
The Incident: Bleacher Collapse at Kendall County Fair
The fatal incident occurred during the Kendall County Fair, where a section of the bleachers suddenly gave way. Eleven people were injured, and Vera Smith, 79, was critically hurt. She succumbed to her injuries just five days later. The collapse has left her family heartbroken and frustrated, as they wait for answers about what went wrong.
A Beloved Family Matriarch Lost
Vera Smith was known for her warm personality and deep faith. Her son, Dwayne Smith, remembered her fondly, saying, “She was a good Christian lady. She was a grandmother, a great-grandmother. She was queen of the fishermen.” Vera’s death has left a significant void in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The family describes the past few months as “traumatizing” and are determined to seek justice for their mother. They believe the investigation should have been straightforward but instead feel like crucial information is being withheld.
Family’s Frustration with Delayed Investigation
The Smith family has filed a lawsuit against the Kendall County Fair Association, hoping to get more clarity about the incident. Dwayne Smith expressed his concerns about the lack of updates, stating, “It’s been an open investigation that should’ve been an open-and-closed book.”
His brother, Forrest Smith, echoed these frustrations, alleging a potential cover-up. “The city said they would conduct a complete investigation right after the accident, but here we are, five and a half months later, with no information. It feels like they’re sweeping it under the table.”
Negligence Concerns: Missing Permits and Last-Minute Welding
The City of Boerne confirmed in September that the Kendall County Fair Association did not apply for a building permit for the bleachers. Additionally, investigators discovered that welding work was being carried out until the day before the fair.
These findings raise significant concerns about the safety protocols followed during the bleachers’ construction. The family fears that negligence and lack of proper oversight may have contributed to the collapse.
A First-Hand Account of the Collapse
Luca Ghiotto, who is married to Vera’s granddaughter, shared his harrowing experience of pulling Vera from beneath the collapsed bleachers. “It’s tragic for anyone who was there when it happened,” Ghiotto said. He hopes the family’s legal action will push the fair association to implement stricter safety standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Community Calls for Accountability
The Kendall County Fair has long been a cherished event for the Boerne community. However, this incident has cast a shadow over the event’s safety practices. Residents are now calling for better enforcement of building codes and regular inspections to ensure public safety at future events.
Despite numerous attempts to get updates from the Kendall County Fair Association, there has been no response. This silence has only deepened the Smith family’s frustration and the community’s concerns.
The tragic death of Vera Smith following the Kendall County Fair bleacher collapse has left her family grieving and determined to find justice. As they await answers, they hope their lawsuit will prompt necessary safety reforms to prevent similar tragedies. The community, too, looks to local authorities to ensure accountability and uphold safety standards for public events.
