Marshall remembers 75 killed in 1970 plane crash with Memorial Fountain ceremony

Marshall University held its annual Memorial Fountain ceremony on Saturday to honor the 75 people who died on Southern Airways Flight 932 in 1970. The event marked 56 years since the tragedy and is part of how the university remembers the community that supported families in the aftermath.

Jeff Heath, the keynote speaker, learned of the crash when he was 19 and his parents along with his godparents were among those lost. He described the moment he learned of the crash and the immediate impact on his family and life, noting the sudden responsibilities he faced caring for his three younger siblings.

During the ceremony, the names of all 75 victims were read aloud as a white rose was placed at the fountain. After the readings, the fountain’s water was turned off for the winter, with a reminder to keep the victims’ stories alive until spring.

Event organizers emphasized the long-lasting effect of the community’s response and described the ceremony as a reaffirmation of the bond and support that remains part of Marshall’s identity. The observance coincided with Marshall’s annual 75-themed football game against Appalachian State, with players wearing special uniforms to mark the anniversary.