By
Arla Shephard
October 31, 2008
Like most students on most days, senior Rose Smith was walking through Red Square yesterday, talking on her cell phone.
She was near Kane Hall when a flame from across the square caught her attention.
“I thought, ‘Oh my God, someone’s shoes are on fire,’” she said. “All of a sudden there was this explosion that was like a mushroom cloud.”
As the flames grew, Smith said, more people rushed toward them, trying to put them out. It was only then that she realized it was a man on fire.
“I rushed forward,” she said. “I had a water bottle in my backpack and I used that. I just threw it.”
The man, a 61-year-old former UW employee, had lit himself on fire, said Ralph Robinson, assistant chief of field operations for the UWPD. No other people were injured. The man’s name has not yet been released.
He was rushed to Harborview Medical Center at about 1:30 p.m. and died later yesterday afternoon. His motive, at press time, was unknown.
For the students at the scene, the moments before the police arrived were surreal.
“It seemed like an eternity [before they arrived],” said sophomore Omar Shaukat, who saw the flames from the flag pole near Memorial Lane. He ran to the scene as well.
“People were grabbing whatever they had to put the fire out,” he said. “One guy in particular was only down to his boxers ... it was almost heroic.”
Shaukat didn’t believe that it was a body burning until the flame was extinguished.
“It kind of hit me,” he said. “You never expect it to happen in the heart of the University campus.”
One student, who had taken off all of his clothes except for his underwear, was kneeling on a bench near the man, Smith said. He had his arms raised, and he started praying.
“I was just in shock,” Smith said. “My heart sank, and the pit of my stomach was heavy. I thought he was dead at first, and I thought ‘I just saw someone burn to death’.”
Junior Joe Chang was walking up the steps near By George when he saw the flames. As he rushed to the body, he began dialing 911.
“I was shocked and I couldn’t think straight, he said. “My other friend was there, and she was in shock and started crying.”
Smith said the man started to gain consciousness as they waited for the police.
“When he started moaning, I was just hoping that he’d stay alive for the ambulance,” she said.
Justin Norman, a UW alumnus, documented the scene with his camera. He was walking from the Quad to get lunch when he saw “a raging inferno.”
“It erupted and some people ran away, [but] instantly people ran back to the scene,” he said.
UW spokesman Norm Arkans said the student response was amazing.
“Obviously a troubled individual took his own life, and we have to be sensitive to that,” he said. “But I think [the student response] is a terrific story to tell ... I just think you’re an amazing generation, and it doesn’t surprise me.”
Norman said he wasn’t surprised either.
“I’ve seen some things, people going above and beyond,” he said. “People are good people, and they help other people.”
Reach reporter Arla Shephard at news@dailyuw.com.
55 Comments
#1 HuskyLove
on October 31, 2008 at 12:07 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
that is an incredible picture and my deepest gratitude to everyone in it for being there. i have never been so proud to be a husky.
#2 Nikolaj L.
on October 31, 2008 at 12:42 a.m.(Seattle, WA)
wow, just wow. Very tasteful
#3 Matthew S.
on October 31, 2008 at 1:24 a.m.(Seattle, WA)
Well written, but the Daily still has a long way to go to recoup from their endorsement of Dino Rossi.
#4 Jerry M.
on October 31, 2008 at 2:08 a.m.(Montpellier, France | Unverified Name)
why does this incident turn into a husky advertisement when Norm Arkans is interviewed and the first comment is made about the article?
#5 Clifford D.
on October 31, 2008 at 2:11 a.m.(Latina, Italy)
Jerry: what?
Anyway, Arla, good article.
#6 Face
on October 31, 2008 at 2:16 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
That is a truly profound picture and thank you for your thorough coverage of what happened. Even better than the Seattle Times and PI's versions. =)
#7 H H'08
on October 31, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.(Folsom, CA | Unverified Name)
Go Huskies!
What's a sad tragic.
#8 Mikael S.
on October 31, 2008 at 8:41 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
Thank you for focusing the article on the heroics of UW students. I also thank you for publishing the photos from the scene. My heart and prayers are with those who witnessed and to those who are mourning such a tragedy.
L'shalom.
#9 Jessica
on October 31, 2008 at 8:46 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
That picture is powerful. Thanks for bringing your journalistic A-game to this story.
#10 Richard
on October 31, 2008 at 9:09 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
Matthew S, what does their endorsement have anything to do with this story? This was a well written piece, clearly focusing on the positives (whatever positive there can be in a tragedy like this). Your attempt to take a shot at the Daily because of your personal opinion is cheap and distasteful.
#11 proud UW alum
on October 31, 2008 at 9:15 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
To the students who were quick to assist the man, you have my sincerest gratitude. Your selfless acts in helping this man should be recognized.
Thank you.
#12 Casey S.
on October 31, 2008 at 9:17 a.m.(None, None | Unverified Name)
Wow Arla, your reporting was amazing, it made me cry.
#13 Katie S
on October 31, 2008 at 9:32 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
Well done Arla, I think your reporting and writing for this piece completely blew that of the Times and PI out of the water. It's heartfelt and sensitive and you obviously handled the situation well. I'm proud of our school and the Daily.
#14 Robin
on October 31, 2008 at 9:52 a.m.(Burlington, WA | Unverified Name)
How is it that this man was able to walk around campus carrying a gas can and not be questioned by someone with authority?
#15 Robb Schmitt
on October 31, 2008 at 9:59 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
Stellar article Arla. Just stellar.
@14: Oftentimes, people can carry saws, gas cans, etc and students will think that they are part of the groundskeeping crew.
@3: Please keep your opinions on pieces inside the particular article they deal with. This piece is stellar on its own, and should be considered as such.
#16 Will A.
on October 31, 2008 at 11:18 a.m.(Seattle, WA)
I'm glad that people who were there did their best to put him out.
#17 UW Staffer
on October 31, 2008 at 11:27 a.m.(Location Unknown | Unverified Name)
Great article, very well written. And this comes from having seen the whole event from start to finish. I'm still shook up, but I thought I'd like to make a few comments. 1) There was at least one staff person there (I'm sure I'm not the only one), but only students are mentioned. 2) The man in his boxers did not remove his pants to put out the flames. He was the brave soul who tried to stop the man from igniting the gas. He got gas on his pants, so he stripped them off. Because he came so close to being set on fire himself, and because he was unsuccessful in stopping him (and for so many other reasons), he was in deep shock, and when the police brought him over to talk to him, he got close to the victim again, and that's when he began to pray. 3) It was not a gas can - it was a huge (3 gal.?) Tide container. I'm sure that's how he carried it around undected. At first I thought he was pouring soap on the area to wash off something.
Everyone did their very best to help this man, and we should all be proud of our community. It was a horrible thing to witness, but I'm trying to focus on what a great place I work in, and what nice people I am surrounded by here.
#18 ADru
on October 31, 2008 at 11:29 a.m.(Costa Mesa, CA | Unverified Name)
Very well written, Arla. And this would not in any sense of the word qualify as an advertisement. She is simply focusing on the heroism of this tragedy, which is all the hope we can really hold onto in the face of such sadness.
#19 UWHuskies123
on October 31, 2008 at 12:07 p.m.(Bellingham, WA | Unverified Name)
Damn we have such losers on our campus..
#20 BurningMan
on October 31, 2008 at 12:17 p.m.(Bellingham, WA | Unverified Name)
lol, I'm giong to a halloween party now and pouring water out of a gas container all over myself
#21 Nick
on October 31, 2008 at 1:02 p.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
In RE to #3, Matthew S.
Way to inject partisan politics into a horrible tragedy.
Stay classy jackass.
#22 colleen
on October 31, 2008 at 1:10 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
i've re-read this article a few times now and it still gives me chills. very well written.
#23 Sara B.
on October 31, 2008 at 1:33 p.m.(Bothell, WA | Unverified Name)
Good story, Arla. It had a different focus than the Times story -- not that Nick and Will's story wasn't good. It gave me more of what I was searching for. Hope, perhaps?
#24 SANE
on October 31, 2008 at 1:52 p.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
It is a tragic incident, I must say. In a world such as this, I was surprised that people actually helped put out the flames. Was this simply suicide or a suicidal protest against something? Poor soul. I wonder what caused him to take such a step?
#25 Gal from Indiana
on October 31, 2008 at 3:26 p.m.(Freetown, IN | Unverified Name)
response to #20-grow up
#26 Clifford D.
on October 31, 2008 at 4:01 p.m.(Latina, Italy)
Sarah B. : agreed. Hope you're well.
#27 Clifford D.
on October 31, 2008 at 4:02 p.m.(Latina, Italy)
Er. Sara. Whoops.
#28 Taishi K.
on October 31, 2008 at 6:44 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
We don't need no water, I suppose. I don't think i'd call this a tragedy, the guy got what he wanted.
#29 UW fan
on October 31, 2008 at 7:51 p.m.(Olympia, WA | Unverified Name)
Great work, Daily people. Your coverage was professional and thorough. I'm proud of you and the people who tried to help (staff and students alike).
Let's pray for this guy's family.
#30 UW Student
on November 1, 2008 at 9:36 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
Why haven't they released this man's identity yet, and possible motive?
Does it take that long to check dental records and notify the next of kin? Does this man have no family?
I want to know this isn't going to happen again.
#31 UWStudent
on November 1, 2008 at 2:16 p.m.(None, Anonymous Proxy | Unverified Name)
What's so amazing to me is that there is not a single WHITE-American in that picture lifting a finger to help the man. Had it not been for people of different ethnicity, the man would have been toasted. It's not about being proud of UW or a stupid logo, the Huskies, but to do the right thing. If there were some incentives or putting him out would have counted as another hole to get into a program of choice, you would have seen a huge umber of White-Americans. It's real sad!
#32 Doug M.
on November 1, 2008 at 2:54 p.m.(Seattle, WA)
@31:
You must be color-blind, because I see people of all skin colors there. I think it's already been said in this thread at someone else, but this is not an appropriate forum for your political venom. Take it back to the Rossi piece or another article that MIGHT actually be related to the topic you're addressing. Actually, don't, because your mischaracterizations of people from certain demographics add nothing helpful to this conversation.
Someone died, and I am sickened that people think it's an opportunity not to reflect on the most important values in our community and mental health services on this campus, but as an opportunity to self-aggrandize in politics. Knock it off.
#33 UW Student
on November 1, 2008 at 6:39 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
Yes, blame whitey. Your insecurities about yourself are really pathetic. There are thousands of non-white students at UW and most of the time are congregated around each other so it would be likely that they just happened to be there at the time.
#34 uw student1234
on November 1, 2008 at 6:40 p.m.(None, None | Unverified Name)
Good point Doug. What does the color of people's skin in the picture have to do with anything? #31 is obviously racist even considering a racial connection to the people in the picture. Your point is not only completely irrelevent and incorrect, its also sad. Get over yourself.
#35 Scholar
on November 1, 2008 at 8:38 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
When you see a man burning to death do you A) Attempt to help him, or B) Take a picture? It doesn't take a moment's thought to determine which is the good Samaritan. SHAME on the photographer.
And SHAME on The Daily for printing it!
I am utterly disgusted at the lack of discretion and professionalism The Daily has shown in their decision to print a picture of a man being burned alive on the front page of the paper. It is horrifying, gruesome, tasteless, and very possibly damaging to the emotional health of its readership. Poor choice.
Yet another reason to boycott The Daily.
#36 smith J
on November 1, 2008 at 9 p.m.(None, Anonymous Proxy | Unverified Name)
#35 is absolutely right. It's pathetic to show a burning man's picture in order to promote the stupid Husky garbage propaganda. It's not the Husky's spirit that those brave people where helping the man, it's what people must do. To help! I got to agree with #31 on this one. The first thing in white people's mind was an image of a terrorist or some stupid image like that. Doug M, you don't have to use big words to sound persuasive. your argument is irrelevant wrong. Assuming #31 is utterly wrong, there are no White people trying to put out the fire. All I see is African-A and Asian-A. That's not to say White people are evil, but when it comes to do something real instead of manufacturing well written essays, They failed miserably. This is a fact.
#37 Student8
on November 2, 2008 at 1:50 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
I absolutely agree with #35 and #36
I'm disgusted that they would think to take a picture. "Documented the scene"
Publishing the picture obviously shows a lack of respect for the victim's dignity. The daily... what are you guys thinking.
#38 Liz S.
on November 2, 2008 at 9:11 a.m.(Seattle, WA)
According to two of the witnesses interviewed in the article, they didn't immediately realize that it was a person on fire. Hopefully Norman was also unaware that the "raging inferno" he was photographing was a person burning. If he did understand that someone was burning to death and if he was in a position to help, then ultimately he will have to live with the implications of his choice.
To Smith J at #36:
I'm curious how you know that "The first thing in white people's mind was an image of a terrorist". That seems like a gross generalization to me. Regardless, race shouldn't be an issue in this tragedy. There are ethical and unethical people of every race, religion or any other way to classify people. The bottom line is that there were students who acted heroically, and they should be praised for their actions, not glorified or condemned for their racial identities.
#39 T
on November 2, 2008 at 10:29 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
I think it's disgusting and shows lack of discretion on the part of The Daily to print a picture of an obviously profoundly mentally ill man burning to death. How do you think his family will feel when they see that picture? It's bad enough people had to witness the tragedy of suicide via self-immolation, but to provide a visual to the majority of us who didn't happen to be in Red Square at the time is irresponsible! How in any way does a picture benefit or provide substance to the story? Could we have been spared the picture and still have felt the profound emotions that such an incident inevitably inspires? I think so. Publishing the picture only serves to pander to the people who missed out on the spectacle that they otherwise would've recorded and put on Youtube. You've made them happy.
#40 Student
on November 2, 2008 at 11:05 a.m.(Bothell, WA | Unverified Name)
@ 20 as someone who witness the event, I am thoroughly disgusted by your lack of taste and your lack of consideration to those who witnessed the event.
@ 31 I am appalled at how you would bring this into the conversation. This photograph is not a 360-degree angle-you cannot see who else was running to help. I witnessed the event—my memory of it is not entirely clear, but from what I do or think I remember, this picture was at the very beginning when the initial flames went off. I have looked back over the texts where I noted fifty people were helping the man. Now, I do not know if my numbers are high, but I know there were more people then what is shown in the picture, not to mention the people calling 911 and those running to get fire extinguishers. How dare you forget about those people. How dare you.
@ 35 I did witness the event, and I disagree with shamming the photographer. I will say that I did not immediately realize there was a man on fire. For those who knew it was a person, or those who saw other people running to help, they had a reflex to the situation—an immediate response to help a fellow human being. Other people did not, and I do not blame them. How do we not know if the photographer was doing his part by calling 911? How do we not know if the photographer had a disability that would have affected how they could have helped? Agreeing with #38, how do we not know that they did not immediately realize there was a person on fire?
#41 a non-white uw student
on November 2, 2008 at 4:20 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
I think those who think this or that about so-and-so race are retarded.
I saw part of what happened too, and it was quite unfortunate to see.
#42 a student
on November 2, 2008 at 4:38 p.m.(None, Anonymous Proxy | Unverified Name)
@41's comment on 31 and beyond! In an emergency situation the people who act first are the unbiased ones who feel the "responsibility" to act. As you said, the picture is at the beginning of the event and that's all that matters here. It's people's biased opinion that keeps them from acting on their instinct. In this documented picture the first people to act are the people of color. In a school with more than 70% white population, it is foolish to say that those people of color just happened to be at the vicinity of a burning man! In addition, it's stupid to suggest that he was burning with his mouth closed. Of course not. For those who could not distinguish between a man or a burning object, you arrived too late when he was uncontentious on the ground. Your opinion is irrelevant here.
@#32, you MUST be color blind referring to this particular picture.
It's a shame that UWdaily uses such a tragedy to sell its brand name. Find what this man's motives were instead of glorifying your brand with a sad tragedy.
#43 Christian C.
on November 2, 2008 at 9:28 p.m.(Seattle, WA)
Anyone condeming The Daily for running this very powerful photograph is incredibly small-minded. Great story Arla.
#44 james
on November 3, 2008 at 1:43 a.m.(None, Anonymous Proxy | Unverified Name)
#43, you can't be serious! If Arla can't take the heat as a journalist, she should think about a different career. She is extremely lucky because this article will be an excellent learning experience for her. My god this generation is going down the drain. and don't call people "incredibly small-minded" when they voice their opinion! 31 and 32, get over yourselves. you both sound pathetic. "self-aggrandize in politics"! LOL!!
#45 Chris Acheson
on November 3, 2008 at 1:45 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
#31:
a) He WAS toasted.
b) You know nothing about "the right thing" if you condone racism.
c) If putting him out would have helped you get into your hole of choice, Reverend Wright's sphincter, you would have been seen there too!
#46 rose
on November 3, 2008 at 2:39 a.m.(UW Campus | Unverified Name)
@31... You are absolutely ridiculous. You cannnot see his face, but in this very picture, man running TOWARDS the fire is WHITE. How do I know?? I was there. And for the record, I too am white. The guy that is running towards the fire in the picture was in the middle of it for most of the time, until the ambulance came. And I also tried to help. But aside from that, I don't see what the color of our skin has to do with anything.
@36... I can't tell you what the first thing in every WHITE persons mind was, as if we all think alike, but my initial reaction was that this was some prank, not realizing there was a person in it. As soon as I realized it was a man on fire, I assumed it was an innocent bi-stander who got tragically caught in the middle, not realizing he had set himself on fire. So no, the first reaction of the white man (in this case woman) is NOT the image of a terrorist, as for some reason you assume. And there were white people trying to help. Apparently you weren't there. Lucky you.
@42... Is it stupid to suggest he was burning with his mouth closed? Had I heard screaming, it would have been obvious. But it wasn't. I didn't hear a peep out of his mouth till he was regaining consciousness AFTER burning. My opinion is not irrelevant.
It seems too many of you are passing judgments on this situation. Rather than judging those who witnessed it, have some compassion. This was a horrific thing to witness, and noone should be judged for their reaction. Many people tried to help, of all colors and backgrounds. Above all, rather than putting your thoughts and energy into judging the situation, why not put your thoughts and PRAYERS towards this man, who felt he had nowhere to turn, and those who now have this image in their minds. Please.
#47 Been there
on November 3, 2008 at 10:43 a.m.(Spokane, WA | Unverified Name)
I have seen 2 co-workers burn to death. Granted, it wasn't their choice. I don't know how anyone can comment on this tragity and make jokes or racial remarks. I'm sure that not everyone that saw this was capable of helping, for whatever reason. This man obviously reached a low in his life few will ever know. Love one another, there is too much hate.
#48 a white man
on November 3, 2008 at 2:22 p.m.(None, Anonymous Proxy | Unverified Name)
many of you are attacking #31 vigorously. That shows only one things: you are racist deep down inside and you know it. why would you even consider responding to an ignorant comment like that! @32, I'm sorry but you are the biggest idiot here! Every one is entitled to their opinion and there is no room for your propaganda here. Rossi piece! WOW!
Rose, I'm sure you were not there. Don't make up stories out of the picture. Don't capitalize white either. you seem like a gang boss trying to vilify 31!
#49 Student
on November 3, 2008 at 5:18 p.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
While I think the article was quite well written, I have to agree that I am deeply disappointed in the Daily's choice to post the picture in the paper without a very obvious disclaimer on the front of the paper. While I think the tragedy should be acknowledged fully, I don't believe that exposing more people to the suffering of a sick man without warning is in any way ethical. Those who didn't see it happen were LUCKY to not have the indelible image seared into their brains, and I don't see any reason that those students should be made to bear witness to this awful event. I fail to see how this makes me "small minded".
#50 rose
on November 4, 2008 at 2:31 a.m.(Seattle, WA | Unverified Name)
#48 "a white man" --Let me clarify. My intention is not to vigorously attack #31, however I was offended by what they had to say and jumped into defense mode. You are right, perhaps it is not worth responding to. With that said, I capitalized "white" in response to #31's capitalization of "white," putting emphasis on the race when it is unnecessary. Furthermore, I do not feel a need to prove to you whether I was or wasn't there. I was, but I do not see what it matters. I have not made up any story out of the picture, and see no reason you would believe I did. In this picture you cannot see any flesh of the man running towards the flame in the khaki coat, just his hair. What does the color of his hair say about race? Nothing. He was white... but I still see no need to push the point of race, as it is irrelevant.
Finally, let me say this. Of all things, I find shame in coming off as a "gang boss trying to vilify" anyone. It is in my nature to form ties of love, not hate. I apologize for seeming attacking, and hope you (#31) understand the sensitivity of this situation. As I said before, I wish that the judgments could end, and the focus could lie in compassion and love. This world could use it.
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on November 12, 2008 at 1:58 p.m.(Amsterdam, Netherlands | Unverified Name)
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#52 DDDepressionnn
on November 20, 2008 at 1:28 p.m.(Frankfurt Am Main, Germany | Unverified Name)
There has come winter :(
It became cold and cloudy!
Mood very bad :(
Depression Begins
#53 DDDDepressionnnn
on November 20, 2008 at 9:13 p.m.(Frankfurt Am Main, Germany | Unverified Name)
Depression Depression Depression aaaaaaaa
HEEEEELP :( :( :(
I hate winter! I want summer!
#54 wintervssummer
on November 29, 2008 at 10:09 a.m.(Frankfurt Am Main, Germany | Unverified Name)
I very much love summer :)
Someone very much loves winter :(
I Wish to know whom more :)
For what you love winter?
For what you love summer? Let's argue :)
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on December 5, 2008 at 6:47 a.m.(Frankfurt Am Main, Germany | Unverified Name | UW Community)
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<a href=http://yahoo.com>yahoo</a>
And also that it is pleasant to you and that is not pleasant
in these search systems.
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