UPDATED: Indianapolis Junior Academy Principal Killed in Collision

Spectrum Website
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Norris Ncube, the principal of Indianapolis Junior Academy, and student Malia Siziba, age 5, were killed in a car accident Tuesday morning on the way to school. Ncube's son Sandile Ncube, age 12, is in critical condition on a ventilator, but was not killed in the accident as previously reported. Three other students identified as Buhlebenkosi Anita Nikoma, Deon Sizba and Jessica Senele Ncube were also injured in the crash.

Ncube moved to the United States in 1996 from Zimbabwe, and has been recognized as an innovative leader in the Indiana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

The fatal accident occurred during the morning rush hour when an SUV collided with the van Ncube was driving, with several students en route to the Seventh-day Adventist K-8 school. An investigation is underway to determine whether a medical condition might have contributed to the driver's apparent loss of control.

Indianapolis Star breaking news reporter Justin L. Mack shared a brief video of Indianapolis Junior Academy pastor Daniel Ortega's reflections on Principal Ncube.

Madeline Buckley, also a breaking news reporter for the Indy Star shared images of the scene on Twitter:

According to a media specialist for the Indiana Conference, the school is closed for the remainder of this week, with counseling services being made available. A vigil was held Tuesday night in the sanctuary of Glendale Seventh-day Adventist Church at 2900 E. 62nd St. in Indianapolis. About 150 attended, and more vigils are planned for this evening.

For more on the story, see this report from the Indianapolis Star.

 

Jared Wright is Managing Editor of SpectrumMagazine.org.

 

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So unbelievably tragic!! May the Lord comfort the families of the bereaved and keep before us all the hope of the soon-coming resurrection of His saints!!

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The lives of Norris Ncube, the principal of Indianapolis Junior Academy, his son Sandile Ncube, age 12, and student Malia Siziba, age 5, who were killed in a car accident Tuesday morning on the way to school will be remembered. Three other students identified as Buhlebenkosi Anita Nikoma, Deon Sizba and Jessica Senele Ncube were also injured in the crash and need our continued support and prayers.
My prayers are also for the students, families and all those impacted by this very sad and shocking accident. "At times like this we need a Savior" A few reflections that come to me at this sad time may help some to cope with this event.

“Today or tomorrow we will go into this city, and spend a year there, and trade, and get gain”: whereas you know not what shall be tomorrow. What is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall both live, and do this or that” (James 4:13"“15).

In the immediate context, the thrust of James’ question is to emphasize the brevity of human life to those whose thoughts were riveted in time rather than in eternity. Relatively speaking, our existence upon this planet is a fleeting thing. How seriously, then, ought it to be viewed; how desperately its moments should be treasured.

The Scriptures are filled with reminders of how rapidly earth’s sojourn passes. Job, in his suffering, appears to have dwelt on this thought more than most men do. His days seemed to pass quicker than a “weaver’s shuttle” (7:6) or a single breath (v. 7). His days appeared to rush by like a courier with an urgent message (9:25), as a “swift ship,” or like an “eagle who hastens to the prey” (v. 26). He saw man’s days as few. He was rather like a flower that blossoms and then quickly dies, or as a rapidly passing shadow (14:1"“2).

A sobering aspect of life is its dramatic uncertainty. The aged Isaac once expressed a sentiment that is applicable to most of us: “I know not the day of my death” (Genesis 27:2). The Lord warned the Jewish nation that should they rebel against him he would scatter them afar, and, he promised, “Your life shall hang in doubt before you” (Deuteronomy 28:66). Is that uncertainty not true for each of us?

I have conducted numerous funerals involving untimely deaths, vehicle deaths have been common. The “common thread” for me in al of these is the reminder that our life on earth is a precious time. Do not ignore its value; do not squander it in trivial pursuits; do not let it slip away and leave us unprepared. This very day as I reflect on this experience I will contemplate the question: What is my life? These verses have provided wisdom and comfort for me.
James 4:13; Deuteronomy 34:7; Psalm 90:10; Acts 17:25; 1 Timothy 6:13; Genesis 1:26; Joshua 6:21; 2 Samuel 14:14; Matthew 10:8; Mark 16:17; Hebrews 9:27; Romans 5:12; Genesis 27:2; Deuteronomy 28:66; Luke 12:47; Revelation 19:7; Matthew 25:1

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