Audio files
Audio files from the funeral service in 1969, and original news reports in the days following the crash, have been made available by the Grover Museum in Shelbyville. We have compiled these and are presenting them here for you to review.
Please be advised that some of the audio may be difficult to listen to, for those having a personal connection to the tragedy. We will try to note those below, in the hope of sparing anyone undue hardship.
| Audio Files from 1969 |
News Report from the 1969 Memorial Service
Introduction to the Funeral Service
A reporter describes the planned agenda for the service at Forest Hill cemetery.
from the 1969 Memorial Service
Introduction to the assembled
Introduction to the funeral service at Forest Hill Cemetery.
from the 1969 Memorial Service
Blessing
Invocation from the funeral service.
from the 1969 Memorial Service
Prayer - Father James Arneson
Prayer for the departed, delivered by the priest of St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
from the 1969 Memorial Service
Blessing and Benediction
Jewish blessing for those in attendance and departed, offered by Rabbi Murray Saltzman of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation.
from the 1969 Memorial Service
Prayer - Reverend William Cranford
Protestant prayer, given by the minister of the local First Baptist Church.
News Report from the 1969 Memorial Service
Conclusion of the funeral service at Forest Hill Cemetery
A reporter describes the activities concluding the funeral service.
Eyewitness interview
James Shields - Eyewitness
*GRAPHIC* An eyewitness who lived at the trailer park describes the sight and sound of the collision. His description of the scene is very graphic.
News interview from the crash site
Communications Setup for first Responders
Indiana Bell was on-site, setting up a temporary network for the various response teams as well as news media.
News interview
First Responder reports
A description of what was observed upon arriving at the scene by a gentleman named "Norman". A supervisor discusses mental health concerns for those responding.
News interview from the crash site
County Coroner report
*GRAPHIC* The County Coroner of Shelby County was asked about the collection and identification process for remains.
News interview
Postal Inspector report
Inspector Langston gives a quick report on the effort to protect mail that was aboard flight 853.
News interview
Red Cross report
A Marion County civil defense representative (Joe Mosbaugh) reports on the futility of trying to offer help in such a disaster.
News interview
State Police report
A field supervisor provides a direct and mildly graphic description of the efforts involved in the site cleanup.