Update II
Roger Esch, Nathan's Dad, wanted us to inform everyone about this, so that
we do not raise false hopes. The hospital has finished running its last set
of tests and verified that the trauma to his head was so severe that the
survivability is not good and if he did survive he would be in a vegetative
state for some time if not permanently. If he were to improve from the
vegetative state it is certain that he would be severely handicapped.
The current plan is to see what happens over the next day or two. Shoshana
is staying in Reno right now. I've verified that she is OK, just standing
vigil for Nathan. Rian is also there.
We are also beginning to work with Ignition NW to begin gathering
opportunities for people who want to help out. We will be posting to the
list as we identify these.
Meanwhile please refrain from contacting Nathan's family, Shoshana or Rian
unless they contact you first. It is still the time for us to hold back and
let friends, family and the medical folks sort things out.
However this goes, please continue to give Nathan your thoughts and best
wishes.
- Riffraff
Update
Nathan's condition is still unchanged. He is still unconscious in the
hospital in Reno.
To answer some questions, Nathan Esch is the Nathan who was sent to
Afghanistan, returned over a year ago to participate in his first Burning
Man as a Playa Cruizer and has been part of the Seattle Burner community
ever since. Recently he a ton of work organizing the parking for Critical
Massive as well as walking his first regional Ranger shift last weekend. He
was given the Ranger handle "Boing Boing" at Critical Massive.
His Dad will be in Reno today.
Shoshana is still in Reno also and she is OK. We have people in Reno with
her.
Other people in their camp have begun to return. As far as a know Kitty was
supposed to be returning to Seattle this morning. The camp equipment is
being handled so no need to offer.
Please keep the positive energy flowing for Nathan. I'll post more as we
find out.
- Riffraff
I've been asked about Shoshana Glick. I spoke with her yesterday after the accident; she is doing as well as can be expected. The hospital treated her for the injuries she sustained, mainly a number of small glass cuts. I've attempted to contact her today, but her phone is off or out of service.
-- Lee
This is not good news, but it's not done yet either.
I got a call from Shoshana Glick from out in Nevada. At around 3pm this
afternoon Nathan Esch and she were in a flip over accident as they were
returning to the Playa with some supplies. Nathan was seriously if not
critically injured and Shoshana also received some much less severe
injuries. Nathan is unconscious and in intensive care with a very serious
head injury. Shoshana is there too, and is physically alright. They are in a
hospital in Reno.
Nathan's father has been notified and he's updating us as he learns more.
Kitty and the rest of his camp on-Playa have been notified by other Burners
who were en-route and the BRC folks in Gerlach are in touch.
Ali, Nipper, Corprew, Diem and I are coordinating information as we learn
more. We will keep the lists up to date as well. We have lined up folks here
to do whatever is necessary to help out. Please hold off on further
inquiries until tomorrow. Everyone needs a breather.
This is the time when everyone who knows Nathan thinks good thoughts about
him and getting well. Also send good thoughts to Shoshana who is very shook
up right now and the rest of their camp as well.
Thanx,
- Riffraff
Resources:
Anyone affected by this should be encouraged to seek counseling if they feel overwhelmed or have signs of post traumatic stress, or if they need to debrief from seeing the crime.
Crisis hotline
206-461-3222
(call if you are feeling overwhelmed, seriously depressed, or are having unstoppable thoughts about the incident)
The Homicide unit
206-684-5550
(for crime victim support/benefits - may be able to help pay for counseling/meds)
Harborview psyche unit - 206-731-3076 (might be moderately helpful)
Harborview Trauma center - might be more helpful, but m-f/9-5
206-521-1800 - should have good counselors, should be able to help with victim benefits/social worker
The ER is a great place to go for a true psychiatric emergency, since you can get meds and a social worker.
Seattle police set up a tipline (206-233-2666) and has asked anyone with information about the attack to call.
Community Outreach:
This is a complete tragedy and I would like to send a message with an offer of qualified help to the community:
Those of you who were there, or have been affected by this, please let us help you to release some of the pain. Every thought and feeling you have is valid and important. I am a burner and mental health counselor, slept all day after working a grave last night or I might have been there myself... but as it is I am well-rested and sober and available by cell phone, and have a car to come to you... please call anytime and I can talk with individuals or groups... Susan, 206-261-6244.
If some of you don't know yet, a shooting took place here on Saturday. I was friends with one of the shooting victims, and I am friends with the survivors who lived at the house and were good friends/family with Jeremy. I am trying to get them as much in the way of resources as I can, psychological and otherwise. If you can't donate, please forward this to someone who might be able to.
PayPal account for families and witnesses/survivors - help pay for funeral and other expenses.
Jesiah, a resident of the hose wehre the shooting took place, set up a PayPal account.
Go thru paypal and then send $ to:
2112relief@gmail.com
Love,
Karla
We will try to keep this site up to date. Please mail information (and a way to confirm the info such as a name and phone number) to:
burn@neurotoxin.net
