Former Song Girl Killed in Hurricane Sandy
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, former USC Song Girl Claudene Christian was found dead 90 miles off the coast of North Carolina on Monday.
According to Christian's Facebook page, her life was dedicated to the HMS Bounty. "I live, work and Travel the Sea aboard the HMS Tall Ship Bounty. A Sailing Museum traveling from port to port sharing our ship and our history," Christian wrote in her bio.
Christian was also very active on Twitter, and her final tweets were about her life at sea.
The HMS Bounty was en route to St. Petersburg, Florida when it lost power to it's generator and two engines. The ship capsized early Monday morning.
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 14 of the 16 crew members from a life raft found off the coast of Hatteras, N.C. Christian's body was found by the same rescue team late Monday evening. The ship's captain, Robin Walbridge, is still missing.
Lori Nelson, current USC Song Girl coach who coached the years Christian was on the team, released this statement about Christian's death:
"The USC Song Girl Family is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our beautiful former Song Girls, Claudene Christian. Our hearts and prayers go out to her parents and family.
As a USC Song Girl, Claudene will always be remembered for her kindness, enthusiasm and charismatic personality. Claudene will be missed by all who knew and loved her."
USC's Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Lynette S. Merriman released a statement Tuesday saying, "This can be traumatic for students and we want to let you know that we are concerned about your well-being and the safety of your families. If you or someone you know is in need of emotional support please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Maria Pozo-Humphreys, Beth Kebschull or Cristina Perez in Student Counseling Services- they can be reached at (213) 740-7711. Those of you living in university-owned residence may also contact your RA for resource information."
