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wwltv.com


Kentucky college student killed in 'car surfing' accident

10:36 AM CDT on Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Associated Press

LOUISVILLE -- A Western Kentucky University student died from injuries he suffered while "car surfing" on a moving vehicle.

Benjamin Watson, 19, of Louisville, fell off a car and hit his head Saturday night, said Jack Arnold, a Jefferson County deputy coroner. He died Sunday at University Hospital, Arnold said.

It was the second reported death in a week related to car surfing, a stunt where a person attempts to ride on top of a moving vehicle. In Sheboygan, Wis., 19-year-old David Weyrens was killed July 5 when he fell from the top of a Land Rover. One of Weyrens' friends was charged with reckless homicide.

Watson's father, Jim, said his son was with friends Saturday night.

"It was definitely an accident, and we don't hold anyone responsible for him getting killed," the elder Watson said.

Louisville Metro Police spokesman Dwight Mitchell said no charges have been filed, but the case would be sent to the office of the Jefferson County commonwealth's attorney.

"He was a great kid," the father said. "He was starting to mature and say, 'I can use what I've been given to do some good."'

(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Stupid humans....

You know, I feel sympathy for his family and friends. But anyone who "car surfs" is an idiot.

"He was starting to mature and say, 'I can use what I've been given to do some good."'

(Given) Brain = (Can use...should have used)

Prayers and thoughts with the young man's family and friends.

Eric

One other kind of surfing on some campuses is elevator sufing. This is where one climbs on TOP of an elevator car and takes a ride. If there is like a bank of elevators (side-by-side), sometimes the idiot will make a "great" decision and jump to another elevator car top!

Car surfing wasnt "in" when I was a teenager. But we did other stupid things. Hope someone learns a lesson from all this

Please know that I don't mean to offend, but I can ask if this is mostly a male stunt?

I have a daughter attending this very University next month - Western Kentucky U. We've gone over all the safety precautions and covered what not to do at parties - accept a drink someone hands to you, binge on alcohol/water/etc. Yes a college student either died or went into a deep coma a few years ago, on a campus in the US from drinking 2 gallons of water at a hazing event. So sad. His body couldn't accept the high amounts of water he had consumed in mere minutes.

I've read about car surfing and have noticed the victims almost always seem to be male. Please note I'm not making light of this or turning into into a gender war. I just never hear of girls doing this.

Brian - thanks for the warning on elevator hopping - the dorms are high rises. Not that my daughter would think of doing such a thing but it will be on that 'mom' list I'll give her (to which she will roll her eyes and let out a huge sigh).

Mary

Has anyone called the Darwin Awards people yet?

This kid has done humanity a great favor by removing himself from the gene pool.

Mary, it seems that girls tend to have more sense than boys at that age (at all ages?). She'll be fine.

gtalum, I think that's a little harsh.
I'll say prayers for his family.

gtalum - you did redeem yourself a bit there. But I agree with Karan, your first response was a bit harsh. I have two teenagers currently and yes they've done some crazy things. But it does seem like their male cousins have done more alarming stunts than they have.

My thoughts and prayers are with this family as well. This boy could very well have been in class with my daughter this Fall.

Mary