Candlelight vigil to be held Sunday honoring trench collapse victims, first responders

Rescue workers on the scene of a trench collapse on Main Street in downtown Hays Tuesday afternoon. — Rescue workers on the scene of the trench collapse on Main Street in downtown Hays Tuesday afternoon.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

The Ellis County Ministerial Alliance is organizing a community candlelight vigil Sunday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. following Tuesday’s tragedy in Hays when a sewer trench collapse killed two men and injured a third.

“This is a time for our community to come together to grieve and support each other in the aftermath of the tragic trench accident,” said Celeste Lasich, ECMA president. “ECMA is working with the city of Hays, Ellis County and Ellis County EMS,” she added.

The ceremony will be held in front of the Ellis County Administrative Center, 718 Main Street. The accident occurred on Main Street just in front of the Center.

Two J Corp Construction Company employees died–44-year-old Aaron Pfannenstiel, the owner/operator of J Corp, and 66-year-old James “Jake” Jacobs, a construction supervisor at J Corp. A third J Corp employee was rescued and transported to HaysMed.

According to Lasich, the pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Hays, guest speakers will include Kerry McCue, Ellis County EMS director. McCue was at the accident scene throughout the rescue and recovery search. Hays Mayor Eber Phelps will also participate. Representing the staff and employees who work in the Ellis County Administrative Center will be Ellis County Commissioners Dean Haselhorst and Barb Wasinger.

The vigil will include familiar hymns and special music.

Some candles will be provided, but Lasich suggested attendees bring their own.

A memorial fund for the Pfannenstiel family has been organized on gofundme.