Turnagain CrossFit was in the middle of hosting Friday Night Lights in celebration of 23.1 of the 2023 CrossFit Open when tragedy struck. As one of the heats was finishing up, a loud noise and vibration interrupted the music and cheering for those athletes competing. The ceiling above the back part of the CrossFit gym collapsed leaving one member dead and seriously injuring another.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the sudden roof collapse which happened around 5:30 pm in Anchorage, Alaska. The Anchorage Fire Department was on the scene within minutes as members of the gym were already in process of trying to rescue anyone who might have been trapped.
Sadie Huffer, a member of Turnagain, was trapped by the collapsed ceiling and passed away. Sadie was at the gym to do 23.1. Sadie is left behind by her husband, John Paul Huffer, and their three children. A GoFundMe was organized for the family to help with funeral expenses. Over $35,000 has been raised out of the $50,000 goal.
Approximately one-third of the building’s roof was involved in the collapse and crews are concerned other areas of the building might be affected. As witnessed in photos of the building, a large amount of snow can be seen on top of the roof, one of the theories on what caused the roof to collapse.
Another GoFundMe was started by CrossFit Kainos, a nearby gym in Soldotna, Alaska. Proceeds raised by the GoFundMe will go directly to Turnagain CrossFit to help aid and assist them. They have currently raised almost $47,000 of their $50,000 goal.
