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Todd Bachman murdered in Beijing |
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Monday, 11 August 2008 |
 Father-in-Law of U.S. Olympic men's Indoor volleyball head coach Hugh McCutcheon killed in attack. The father-in-law of U.S. head coach was tragically killed while sightseeing in Beijing.
USA national volleyball team defeated Venezuela 3:2 to open its 2008 Olympic Games campaign at Capital Indoor Stadium. Ron Larsen served as the interim head coach for the match in place of McCutcheon.
The United States Olympic Committee and USA Volleyball are saddened to confirm the death of Todd Bachman, father-in-law of United States Olympic Men's Indoor Volleyball Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon and father of Coach McCutcheon's wife, 2004 U.S. Olympic Women's Indoor Volleyball player Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon.
Mr. Bachman and his wife Barbara were visiting the Drum Tower in Beijing, China, when they were attacked shortly after noon by an assailant wielding a knife. Their daughter Elisabeth was with them at the time of the attack. Mr. Bachman died as a result of injuries sustained in the attack. Mrs. Bachman suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Her injuries are serious and life-threatening. Personnel from the U.S. Olympic Committee and the United States Embassy are assisting the Bachman family at the hospital. Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon was not injured.
The assailant took his own life by jumping from the Drum Tower immediately after the attack. Local law enforcement authorities believe he acted alone. The Bachmans were not wearing apparel that identified them as relatives of members of the U.S. Delegation at the time of the attack.
"It is impossible to describe the depth of our sadness and shock in this tragic hour," said U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth. "Our delegation comes to the Games as a family, and when one member of our family suffers a loss, we all grieve with them. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with the Bachman and McCutcheon families."
"On behalf of the staff and leadership of USA Volleyball, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to all those who have reached out to our extended USA Volleyball family, and specifically to Hugh and Elisabeth "Wiz" McCutcheon and their families, over the past three days as we have dealt with the tragic events in Beijing." Said Doug Beal, CEO of USA Volleyball. from USA volleyball
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