WILLISTON, N.D. - Pat Goldhahn, father of Lauryn Goldhahn, will share about the accident that took his daughter's life, his family's journey through grief, organ donation, and the #BuckleUpBlue4Lauryn ribbon campaign on Monday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m. in the Well.
"Jordan Kulczyk, one of my Teton Activity Board students, contacted Pat to present at WSC," explained Karissa Kjos, WSC Student Life Coordinator. "I think Pat's message is very relevant to our community as well as a good reminder to everyone about the safety of buckling up."
On August 25, 2016, 15-year-old Lauryn Goldhahn was thrown 150ft from a pickup after it rolled two and a half times and hit a power pole. On August 27 she was pronounced dead. Lauryn was not wearing a seatbelt.
Lauryn's volleyball team, the Fairfield Lady Eagles, was scheduled to play the Red Lodge Rams on August 27.
After learning about Lauryn's passing, Coach Stracke and the Rams volleyball team decided to honor Lauryn and the Goldhahn Family.
The #Buckleupblue4Lauryn campaign was born.
Blue ribbons are tied to vehicle steering wheels as a reminder to buckle up. Two hearts, one for Lauryn and the other for the Red Lodge Volleyball team, and #Buckleupblue4Lauryn are printed in gold on each ribbon.
The campaign has received a huge response, not only in Montana, but nationwide. Individuals, families, businesses, schools, colleges, highway patrol officers, sports teams, etc. have requested ribbons in 49 states.
A total of 200,000 ribbons have been ordered and dispersed by the Goldhahn family, while the Red Lodge community and others have shared thousands more.
"I've known Pat's oldest daughter, Allix, for a couple years through high school basketball," explained WSC student Jordan Kulczyk. "It was heartbreaking when I heard about Lauryn. I believe that bringing Pat to Williston and having him speak on campus is very important. Buckling up every time you get in the car is something everyone should do and I think his message will bring much needed attention to the topic."
This event is open to all ages and free to the public. Pat and his wife will also be available after for questions or discussions.
It is recommended to bring the whole family and to arrive early. Free ribbons will be available at the event.
If interested in ordering additional ribbons, please contact Pat Goldhan at 406.855.1918.
For more information on WSC please visit www.willistonstate.edu, call 1.888.863.9455, or stop by 1410 University Avenue, Williston, ND.