We wanted to take the time to thank all of you for your overwhelming support over the past few days. We have been through a frightening and hectic experience and have been very fortunate to have such strong support every step of the way.

            Since the time of our accident, we have been touched by many angels in our world looking out for us and taking care of us. We have received calls, cards, emails, food, and plenty of get-well gifts along the way and are so grateful for everything and everyone. Unfortunately we are unable to contact each one of you to give the proper thanks at this time. Hopefully this message will be read by all of those who have been our support system through a very difficult time.

            We need to say a special thank you to all the emergency response units, Highway Patrol, and hospital staffs from many different towns.  You all put yourself on the line to make sure that we were moved to safety and taken care of. We also want to thank the passers-by who stopped on the road to give us comfort immediately following the accident. The hospital staffs at Mineral County, St. Patricks and Harbor View are also due many thanks. Our players and coaches received excellent and passionate care in all of your facilities. Again, you are all our angels.

            Unfortunately, some of our players are not with us at this time. They are being taken care of and are healing very well in Seattle and Missoula. We are all anxiously looking forward to the time when our basketball family will be back together and we will all be praying for speedy recovery for our friends Ashlie and Chelsie.

            So many people have asked us what they could do to help.  We are fortunate to live in a community in Havre where everyone takes an active role to make things happen. We want to thank all of you that showed up at the bus to welcome our players and coaches home after a very traumatic experience.   Seeing friendly faces was a welcome and much-needed sight. The roses from the Lights men’s team was a sincere touch that meant the world to the entire team.

            At this time, we simply ask that you continue to pray for the Skylights and that you say an extra prayer for Ashlie and Chelsie. We know how loved we are and how lucky we are to have all of you on our side.

            Listed below are addresses of the hospitals where Ashlie and Chelsie are currently recovering. They would appreciate anything and everything that we could do to get them a get-well message. We have also started an account for both Ashlie and Chelsie to help defray some of the many costs associated with their surgeries and recoveries. Thank you all.  We have had well wishes from people throughout the country and feel so fortunate to have your support. Day by day, things are getting better and days are getting brighter. We will persevere like we always do…together. God bless you all. 

MSU-Northern Skylight basketball team

Ashlie Griffin                                                     Chelsie Searle

St. Patrick Hospital                                           Harbor View Medical Center

500 W. Broadway Street                                  925 9^th Avenue #1C18

Missoula, MT  59802                                       Seattle, WA  98104

Individual accounts in each player’s name have been established at:

Independence Bank

435 3^rd Street

Havre, MT  59501