Title: ELCA Pastor's Death at Roanoke College is Under Investigation ELCA NEWS SERVICE
July 17, 2006
ELCA Pastor's Death at Roanoke College is Under Investigation 06-104-FI
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Walter J. Vierling, 91, a retired pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Pearisburg, Va., died July 14 while attending "Power in the Spirit," an annual conference sponsored by the ELCA Virginia Synod, at Roanoke College, Salem, Va. His death is being investigated to see if it is related to a carbon monoxide leak in the dormitory where he was staying. Roanoke is one of 28 ELCA colleges and universities.
"Our deepest sympathy of everyone on this campus is with the Vierling family and all of those who have been affected," said Teresa Gereaux, director of public relations, Roanoke College, in a news release.
A carbon monoxide build-up early July 14 at the "Sections" - - three connected dormitories on the campus -- sent more than 100 people to Salem area hospitals for evaluation. In addition to conference participants, 37 teen-agers on campus for an Upward Bound program were staying there.
Organizers of "Power in the Spirit" and members of the Roanoke College community gathered for worship the evening of July 14 in Olin Hall on campus to remember Vierling and pray for those hurt in the incident. "We appreciate the presence and love for one another shown here today," said the Rev. R. Paul Henrickson, dean of the Roanoke College chapel.
Dr. Sabine O'Hara, Roanoke president, was in Minnesota for her son's wedding at the time of the incident and returned to campus for the service. "We're profoundly grateful for the prayers, words of support and the care expressed," she said.
"It is in times like these when we deal with tragic events, with unexpected events, with events that are out of our control, that a community proves itself," O'Hara said, "and this community has certainly proven itself."
O'Hara visited patients July 15 at Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Salem. At a news conference she expressed sympathy to the Vierling family and concern for all affected by the incident.
An update on the college's Web site said after noon on July 16 one woman remained hospitalized in stable condition at Lewis-Gale. She had been listed in critical condition when admitted July 14.
Lewis-Gale received and evaluated 62 people related to the carbon monoxide incident. Another 49 people were evaluated at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, Va.
Roanoke College "has installed carbon monoxide alarms in several campus residence halls and plans to install more in the coming days. This temporary safety measure is being put into place while the college explores more permanent options available to work with the current fire alarm system," according to its Web site.
Upward Bound students returned to campus as previously scheduled. They are housed in other dormitories. The "Sections" is closed and will be reopened only after the source of the problem has been identified and corrected, Gereaux said.
The City of Salem is investigating the carbon monoxide leak, focusing on a potential failure in the gas hot water system. The dormitories were built in 1910, 1913 and 1956, and "Sections" was renovated in 1986.
Vierling was remembered during Sunday worship July 16 at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pearisburg, where he served 35 years. A funeral service is planned for July 19 at First United Methodist Church, Pearisburg. His wife, Dorothy Corbin Vierling, died in 2001. They are survived by their three adult children. -- -- --
The home page for Roanoke College is at http://www.roanoke.edu/ on the Web.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog