This week I’m working on an in-depth report on last summer’s tragedy at Lassen Volcanic National Park. A 9-year-old boy, Tommy Botell of Red Bluff, was killed when a rock wall gave way on Lassen Peak Trail in July. The rock slide killed Tommy almost instantly and seriously injured his 13-year-old sister, Katrina. Now four months later, the investigation is almost complete. His parents Tom and Jennifer Botell agreed to an interview to tell me exactly what happened, and how they are trying to move forward after Tommy’s death. Jennifer Botell said “I have 2 choices, I can keep it a negative, and dwell on it, or turn it into a positive. That’s what Tommy would have wanted.”
In my report, I also talked to a representative from the park service to ask questions about the condition of the trail, and what’s being done to repair it. This is all new information to our television audience. The special report will air Thursday, November 19 and Friday November 20th on Action News at 5, 6:30, 10 and 11. I hope North State parents will find this information useful as they explore North State parks, including Lassen Volcanic National Park.
The Botells are working in many ways to keep Tommy’s memory alive. They have established a website dedicated to Tommy. http://www.tommybotell.com/ Friends and family have shared stories about Tommy and the impact he had on their lives. The website also has information about the two memorial funds in Tommy’s memory. One is a fundraiser for scholarships to send scouts to camp, an activity that Tommy loved. The other fundraiser is for the Botell family. They incurred approximately $250,000 in medical and funeral expenses in the accident. At least $18,000 was not covered by insurance. The Botells also told me that the annual Tehama County middle school basketball tournament has been renamed “The Tommy Botell Memorial Basketball Tournament.” They were overcome with emotion as they talked about how the trophies will feature Tommy’s photo. That tournament will be held at Bethel Church February 5 & 6th.
The one thing that comes through from the Botells is how much they love all their children, including Tommy, Brittany and Katrina. They shared their collection of home videos, showing the family exploring parks up and down the state of California. Now they want other parents to treasure the time they have with their kids. They are even hosting a local event for National Hug Your Kids Day. It will be held July 19th at Cone and Kimball Plaza in Red Bluff. My thanks goes out to the Botells for opening up, and trying to help other families.
Thank you for reading and watching,
Kelli Saam
