Yesterday, tragedy struck the Carson campaign

Yesterday in Iowa, tragedy struck the Carson for President family. As a result, we decided to temporarily suspend campaign activities until Thursday. A van transporting three volunteers and one of our campaign staffers hit a patch of ice and flipped on its side where it was struck by another vehicle. We are thankful that three of the passengers, Drew McCall, Aaron Ohnemus and Ryan Patrick Shellooe, were treated and released from the hospital.  Braden Joplin, a 25-year-old volunteer from Midland, Texas and a student at Texas Tech, was transported to Nebraska for additional treatment. Tragically, he passed away at the hospital. I had the privilege of knowing Braden Joplin personally, and am filled with a deep and profound sadness at his passing. A presidential candidate asks a lot of his or her volunteers, working long hours in the cold, under-appreciated. They are the unsung heroes of the political process. The outpouring of support for Braden and his family from fellow candidates, as well as their staffs and volunteers, demonstrates that life will always transcend politics, and I thank them for their kind words. Even after more than 30 years of experience counseling parents and family members in the most difficult of times, it never gets easier. But I find solace in the knowledge of God’s redeeming grace, and I pray that Braden's family finds comfort in the mercy of the Lord. To help lift up Braden's family, we are going to be sending them a collection of thoughts, prayers and kind words from my supporters around the country. After all, Braden was working tirelessly on behalf of all of us, helping to build a better future for our families and loved ones. To submit your thoughts and prayers to Braden's family, please go here now. One of the precious few joys of campaigning is the privilege of meeting bright young men and women who are so enthusiastic about their country that they will freely give of their time and energy to work on its behalf. Braden was one of those bright young men. Thank you for joining my wife Candy and I, as well as the entire Carson for President family as we reflect on the preciousness of life and remember and honor the memory of Braden Joplin. Sincerely, Ben Carson