One dead, several injured after Virginia church tent accident

Pastor Troy Keaton of EastLake Community Church in Moneta, Va., on Sunday identified Robert Stouffer as the man killed in a tent accident on Friday. The church was celebrating its 20th anniversary under an outdoor tent when a burst of wind picked it up, killing Stouffer, Keaton said. More than 20 other people were injured, including Stauffer’s wife. At least three suffered serious injuries.

Keaton was about to ask people to head back to their cars when the tragedy struck, he said. Before severe weather moved through the area, the tent had passed a safety inspection from local authorities, according to Patch.

What else do we know? The Stouffers were founding members of the church and had attended there for more than 20 years, according to Keaton. The incident occurred weeks after the church held a celebration to honor Stouffer and his wife because they were moving to Pennsylvania. Church leaders said at the time that they were leaving behind a legacy of service and love.

Dig deeper: Read my report on Chinese authorities’ raid of the unregistered Early Rain Covenant Church.