Russell Weller says he is ‘distraught’ and heartbroken
By JEREMY KUTNER Special to the Daily Press
Police officials have scheduled a press conference for this afternoon to make an announcement relating to the farmers market accident last week that left 10 dead and dozens wounded.
Further details about the substance of the announcement were not available Monday. The press conference, which will be jointly held by officials from the Santa Monica Police Department and the California Highway Patrol, will take place at 4 p.m. at City Hall.
Meanwhile, Russell Weller, the man who drove his car at high speed through the crowded farmers market in downtown Santa Monica last week, expressed sadness over the consequences of the tragic accident in a statement read by his pastor Sunday.
“There are no words to express the feelings my family and I have for those who have suffered loss and pain as a result of Wednesday’s devastating accident,” Weller said in the statement. “I am so very distraught and my heart is broken over the extent of the tragedy.”
“After the accident, I called Pastor Lien to ask for prayers that might help bring comfort and solace to all who have been touched by this horrible event, and I continue my own prayers for all those who are suffering and grieving during this very difficult time.”
Weller was too distraught to speak in public, according to a press release issued by the Brentwood Presbyterian Church, where Weller and his family have worshipped for more than 30 years.
As of Sunday, at least 11 victims remained hospitalized, with three people in critical condition. However, there was good news from St. John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica, where only one crash victim remained hospitalized. The elderly man is in good condition and should be released in the next few days, said St. John’s Emergency Room Director Russ Kino.
At the Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, one patient is currently listed in serious condition. Two others are listed in fair condition and one patient was released last Friday. Ted Braun, hospital spokesman, did not speculate as to the approximate dates of release.
607,“Each of the patients has shown signs of improvement,” Braun said.
“Each of the patients has shown signs of improvement.” — — TED BRAUN St. John’s Hospital spokesman
Though many patients continued to improve, Sunday also served as a reminder of the extent of last week’s tragedy.
Two of the victims, Molok Ghoulian Nabatian, 63, and Brendon Davidi Esfahani, her 7-month-old grandson, were buried at a memorial park in Mission Hills, where friends and family members gathered to share memories of the victims.
“[Nabatian] taught me to love everyone, no matter what... She also loved Brendon,” Stella Ahdoot, 17, said. “She would hug and kiss him a hundred times and her eyes would light up. It’s horrible they had to go so soon. I’ll always keep them in my memory.”
Dr. Stephen Lien, pastor of the Brentwood Presbyterian Church, said Sunday that Weller is beloved at the church for his caring and gentle nature.
“I’m here today as the pastor of a congregation that, along with the rest of the community, is devastated and confused,” Lien said. “A congregation that numbers among the faithful Russ and Harriet Weller, beloved members for over 30 years.
“But I’m also here as a person of faith, a child of God, a Christian, who believes somehow, even in his deep darkness, in an eternal God of love and mercy, and hope. I join all the people of the Brentwood Presbyterian Church, and all people of faith, in an outpouring of love and compassion toward all the victims of Wednesday’s disaster, praying that each of us will feel the presence, comfort and hope of God’s everlasting arms around and underneath us.
“Our prayers are with you.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 22, 2003. Read the original PDF.