Tag Archives: Floyd Collins

America’s First Live Disaster

THE TRAGEDY THAT BROUGHT OUT THE WORST IN US

We’ve witnessed incredible heroism recently. When nature unleashed this summer’s seemingly endless string of natural disasters, Americans rolled into action: folks leaving jobs to fight wildfires, sportsmen using bass boats to rescue flood victims, even people opening their homes as havens for hurricane refugees. When nature is at its worst, Americans are at their very best.

Nearly 100 years ago, a tragedy captured the country’s attention like nothing before. For the first time, people could follow breaking news live as it unfolded. Yet opportunism also reared its ugly head amid a life-and-death struggle. This is the sad story of Floyd Collins. Continue reading