Friends pay tribute to pair killed in crash

Ed Koch and Jace Radke

Monday, Sept. 20, 1999 | 11:22 a.m.

Car after car slowly pulled up to the front yard of an east Las Vegas home Sunday afternoon as teenagers made their way to a mulberry tree surrounded by flowers, candles and pictures dedicated to the memory of two friends.

John David Barnett, 17, and a 16-year-old friend, Stephen Schkurman, both members of the Las Vegas High School band, were killed Friday morning when the station wagon Barnett was driving slammed into the tree at 4667 E. Wyoming Ave.

A red crimson ribbon was tied around the shade tree Sunday night and poems and messages were propped up against the smooth bark where the Ford Taurus hit the tree just after 5:30 a.m. Friday.

One message reads, "Please slow down so you can grow up."

Metro Police believe excessive speed caused Barnett to lose control of the car after he passed through the intersection of Wyoming and Arden Street as the two boys sped to an early-morning band practice. One witness said the car appeared to be going as fast as 60 mph on the 25 mph roadway.

Students memorialized their friends Friday night as well at the school's home football game against Green Valley High.

"I went home this afternoon and hugged my kids," said longtime LVHS Assistant Principal Joe Gallia. "You just never know."

Despite the gloom, hope remained high among the saddened students and fans that the Wildcats would shake off their sorrow and stay undefeated, hold on to their No. 1 rank in Southern Nevada and remain a favorite to win the zone and state titles.

As the public address announcer called for a moment of silence before the game to remember the lost youths, Las Vegas High cheerleaders, their upper right arms encircled by ribbons of black, locked arms and bowed their heads.

Members of the Las Vegas High band sat in the stands but held no instruments. A decision was made that they would not play that night.

Green Valley also was asked not to bring its band and complied.

After winning 41-14 to go 3-0 on the young season, the Wildcat gridders, as has become a tradition, ran in front of the stands where the band and the bulk of the student body sits, and lifted their helmets to salute their supporters.

Sun reporter

Jerry Fink contributed to this report.