TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) – Four new statues are coming to Tuscaloosa to remember and honor four Tuscaloosa natives who were part of the Marshall University football team when they died in a plane crash more than 50 years ago in West Virginia. The question now is, where these statues should go?
Tuscaloosa city council president Kip Tyner remembers all too well when he heard the news; November 14th, 1970. A plane that crashed into a hillside in West Virginia. Four team members who died were from Tuscaloosa; Freddy Clay Wilson, Larry Sanders, Joe Lee Hood, and Robert James Vanhorn. The four attended what used to be Druid High School.
“I can remember being in junior high when the news came the Marshall University football team were all killed in the plane crash,” said Tyner. “It’s significant and historic.”
Significant enough where the city council voted to spend more than $300,000 to erect statues in their memory. Right now, the plan is to put the Marshall Four near the new YMCA being built in West End. However, some family members of the four prefer a more visible area, according to Tyner.
“What I hope in the end.. that wasn’t my first choice. I wanted them to be along the River Walk. Tourism has done us well. I felt like that would draw more people to see it,” said Tyner.
Whether it’s there or at another location, Tyner is convinced the statues will be built within a year. The city council vote was 6-1 in favor of the motion.
“The only thing I am interested now is seeing those statues unveiled,” Tyner said.
Tyner is confident both sides will reach a compromise and an agreement to remember the four who never made it back home.
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