Family members of a U.S. Olympic indoor volleyball coach were attacked in Beijing on Saturday by a knife wielding man who killed one American man, injured an American woman as well as their female tour guide. The 47 year old lone attacker from eastern Hangzhou, Tang Yongming, then hurled himself from the second story of the 13th Century Drum Tower to his death.
Todd Bachman of Lakeville, Minnesota was killed. His wife Barbara Bachman was critically injured. They are the parents of Elisabeth ‘Wiz’ Bachman who played on the US Olympic women’s volleyball team in 2004 and was with them at the time of the attack. She is married to the head men’s U.S. Olympic volleyball team, Hugh McCutcheon – the son-in-law of the murdered man.
Todd Bachman was Chairman and CEO of Bachman Inc., a huge flower enterprise based in Minneapolis. See photos below. Check out additional details and photos here.
The Bachman’s, who were visiting a tourist attraction, were not dressed in team colors or in such as way as to identify themselves as Americans. The two injured women are being treated at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Barbara Bachman underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition.
International Olympic Committee spokewoman Emmanuelle Moreau was in contact with the Beijing organizers to get more details and determine whether the U.S. Volleyball team needs additional security. Darryl Siebel, another committee member said of the volleyball team: “they are deeply saddened and shocked.”
U.S. Embassy spokesman Richard Buangan indicated that they assisted in contacting next of kin and are continuing to gather details of the events that unfolded a few hours ago:
“Our priority in this hour is to attend to the needs of family members, the U.S. Olympic men’s indoor volleyball team and staff, and the entire U.S. Olympic delegation.”
President George W. Bush, who was in Beijing for the opening ceremonies was notified of the incident and expressed his condolences to the volleyball team and family members of those attacked.
The volleyball team was notified shortly after the attack occurred, and they stayed in the athlete’s village while their security needs were being further assessed. The men’s first match is Sunday.
developing story…
Photos: sports.aol.com