Annual MU Memorial Fountain Ceremony Features Grandson Of Team Physician 

Fifty-four years ago, on a rainy November 14, 1970, Southern Airways Flight 932 crashed into a hillside as it approached Tri-State Airport. Seventy five Marshall University Thundering Herd football team coaches, teammates, staff, supporters and flight crew members died. 

The loss devastated victims families, and an entire community, and forged a resolve of strength and remembrance. On Thursday, at the annual Memorial Fountain Ceremony, hundreds will gather to honor the 75. 

This year’s guest speaker, Michael Barbera, will share his perspective on the impact the crash had on the university and the surrounding Huntington area. Barbera is the grandson of the late Margaret “Peggy” Chambers and Dr. Joseph Chambers, who died in the crash, and a Marshall and Herd soccer alum. He currently resides in Huntington with his wife, Tiffany, and two kids, Mackenzie and Max, ages 10 and 8.

The ceremony begins at noon at the Marshall University Memorial Fountain. For information on a livestream of the event, the plane crash or a history of the ceremony, click here.