Kalispell Pole Vaulter Dies

KALISPELL, Mont. - A 16-year-old Kalispell boy died yesterday of brain injuries after a pole vaulting accident.

Joel Heuscher, a freshman at Kalispell Junior High, was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center Monday afternoon after what appeared to be a normal vault, said Gene Boyle, athletic director at Flathead High School.

Paul Jorgensen, Heuscher's pole vault coach, said Heuscher was vaulting with a new pole when he landed at the far end of the foam pit and rolled off. Coaches went to his aid when he did not get up.

Heuscher's parents, Sandy and Larry Heuscher, asked that he be removed from life support at noon yesterday.