It came as a pleasant surprise Friday morning [Oct. 7] to see van crash survivor Robert Petersen wheel himself to his own press conference.

 

The freshman student's room at McKay-Dee Hospital was down the hall from where the press conference was held. He entered the room wearing a blue Aggie polo shirt that he specifically requested. Although he is suffering from two broken legs, a foot, nose and several ribs, he appeared strong and healthy.

 

He had written comments in long hand, but he did not refer to his notes when he spoke to the media. The 21-year-old freshman said he was glad to be alive but was greatly grieving the loss of so many of his classmates who would never again be returning to their loved ones and to the farms where they loved to be.

 

"All the men involved were some of the finest men I've ever met," he said." They all lived up to a life and a standard that is far above that is expected."

 

He said he did not understand why his life was spared but that he would try to live up to the goodness of his classmates who had perished. He added that he did not understand what all the fuss was over him.

 

He expressed his appreciation to family, friends, hospital staff and Utah State University for their support that he credited for his recovery.

 

 "I hope that my story will be inspiring to everyone," he said. "To reach out to their friends and neighbors, and show their love and concern for them. Nothing I have done, or had happen to me can be considered extraordinary. But the people who have shown their support, have shown their thoughts and concerns, love and compassion, are to be considered extraordinary."

 

He said he hopes to be out of the hospital in a couple of weeks and walking by Christmas. Doctors expect a full recovery.

 

Petersen was released from the hospital Friday, Oct. 14.

 

The other survivor of the crash, Jared Nelson, remains in critical but stable condition in an Ogden Hospital.

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