Twenty-five years after the 1999 bonfire collapse that killed 12 people, the Texas Tribune obtained a letter from one of the newest members of the A&M system's board of regents.
John Bellinger of San Antonio wrote to families of the bonfire victims asking for input on the possibility of resuming the bonfire with oversight from A&M's administration. Bellinger is also a member of a committee formed by new Texas A&M President Mark Welsh after the University of Texas became a member of the Southeastern Conference.
In November 1999 the 60-foot stack of logs caved in, killing a dozen and injuring 27 more. Bonfire was immediately canceled and has not burned since.
Welsh's chief of staff, Susan Ballabina, released a statement after the Tribune article stating that recommendations from what has been nicknamed the Rivalry Committee will go to the president in May. Then Welsh will share his decisions on ideas that will be implemented.
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