We are saddened because Christina Nardone, our good friend, someone who brightened our day from the moment we met her, was tragically killed on Tuesday, December 2. Christina made our time in Mali more delightful, always welcomed us with open arms, and had a perpetual smile that made each day a little brighter. She was an instant friend to everyone and Bandiagara will not be the same with her gone. We want to celebrate her life by continuing our service in Mali in the same spirit Christina embodied, of wanting to have a lasting positive impact on the lives of the people in Dogon Country.
Bandiagara : Tragic Collapse of a Water Tower
An American was killed last Tuesday in the collapse of a water tower. The accident occurred in the village of Kokodiougou, 15 kilometers north of Bandiagara in the rural commune of Doucoumbo.
The victim, Cristina Nardone, was the coordinator of the Global System Tourism Alliance (GSTA). Her compatriot, Brenda Adelson was injured in the accident. Christina Nardone was a member of the Federation of Traditional Medicine in partnership with the Regional Center for Traditional Medicine in Bandiagara.
The construction work on the water tower was finished last Monday. The structure measured 4 meters in height; with 2 meters being for the pillars and 2 meters for the portion holding the water. The water tower was entirely constructed of cement.
The day after the construction work was completed, the two women visited the site, along with the builder, to visit the water tower, which was to water medicinal plants in the botanical garden managed by the "Federation of Traditional Therapy" of Bandiagara (FATTB) in the village.
Upon arriving at the site, Christina Nardone asked the builder to fill the basin with water.
Several minutes after the water tower was filled, it collapsed on the two women who were unfortunately under it.
The collapse led to the sudden death of Cristina Nardone. With respect to Brenda Adelson, she suffered an open fracture on her left leg.
As soon as they were alerted, police agents from Bandiagara arrived on the scene and the victims were immediately transported to Mopti.
The builder of the water tower is currently being held at the gendarmerie.
The entire population of Bandiagara prays the victim will rest in peace and for the rapid restablishment of Brenda Adelson. The two women were true friends of the Circle of Bandiagara.
O. GUINDO
AMAP-Bandiagara
All hearts are saddened at this news that effects you so directly. Christinas' memory will outlive us all, through all that she has touched, impacted and changed.
ReplyDeleteAs God calls your friend home, I send prayers of comfort.
LY2TM&BX435 mom
To the family of Christina, I am very sorry for your lose. Brenda, I hope you get well soon. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAunt Karen and Cousin Rebecca
Hi Joe and Ashley,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your friend. I am thinking about you both all the time. Hope you are having fun with Ashley's brother visiting.
Love
Ben,Jody and Anna
We are thinking about you guys and how tough it must be to have a friend be taken from you so tragically. We love you, and miss you. Hope you are having a great time with Bubs in Africa with ya! Love you love you love you!
ReplyDeleteMy heart is so sad at hearing this. I have no doubt by what you said her loss was tragic to you. Man, it just makes me think none of us knows if we even have tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYou're being thought of and loved as always.
Kim
Joe and Ash-
ReplyDeleteSo so so sorry. We'll be praying for you. Be safe. We love you!
Andy and Theresa
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
ReplyDeleteAnd for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.
Author Unknown
I'm so sorry, Ashley and Joe. :( Thinking of you.... Love, Melissa
ReplyDelete