OSU Homecoming Parade Helps Survivors 'Heal'

One year after a devastating crash killed four people, thousands celebrated homecoming at Oklahoma State University.

Oklahoma State’s homecoming gave many an opportunity to move forward and just focus on having fun.

"The crowd yelling and screaming and having a good time, that's the way a parade's supposed to be," said OSU crash survivor Leo Schmitz.

Keysha Sanders, an OSU crash survivor's daughter, added, “God is good. He's brought us all this far, and we're all here to enjoy it."

And they did, but not without taking time to think about Dr. Marvin Stone and his wife Bonnie, Nakita Prabhakar, and two-year-old Nash Lucas.

"The four people that passed away still needs to be remembered, their family, because they don't have anybody to hang on to," said Schmitz.

Four riderless horses walked down Main Street in their honor.

Schmitz says he made new homecoming memories Saturday with now seven-year-old Hadley Wyatt, who he protected during the crash.

"She was just grinning ear-to-ear because she knew today was the day to have fun," said Schmitz.

Sanders watched her mother and crash survivor, Annette Turner, enjoy the day without her cane. 

"To be able to stand, walk up the steps, sit down, wave, not be afraid, not living in fear," Sanders explained.  

Schimtz added, "it really helped us heal and put this behind us. It's just terrific."