Father-in-Law of U.S. Men's Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon Killed in Attack

USOC - USA Volleyball August 09, 2008

Courtesy of the USOC

BEIJING, China (Aug. 9, 2008) – The United States Olympic Committee and USA Volleyball are saddened to confirm the death of Todd Bachman, father-in-law of United States Olympic Men's Indoor Volleyball Head Coach Hugh McCutcheon and father of Coach McCutcheon's wife, 2004 U.S. Olympic Women's Indoor Volleyball player Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon.

Mr. Bachman and his wife Barbara were visiting the Drum Tower in Beijing, China, when they were attacked shortly after noon by an assailant wielding a knife. Their daughter Elisabeth was with them at the time of the attack.

Mr. Bachman, of Lakeville, Minn., died as a result of injuries sustained in the attack. Mrs. Bachman suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Her injuries are serious and life-threatening. Personnel from the U.S. Olympic Committee and the United States Embassy are assisting the Bachman family at the hospital.

Elisabeth Bachman McCutcheon was not injured.

The assailant took his own life by jumping from the Drum Tower immediately after the attack. Local law enforcement authorities believe he acted alone. The Bachmans were not wearing apparel that identified them as relatives of members of the U.S. Delegation at the time of the attack.

"It is impossible to describe the depth of our sadness and shock in this tragic hour," said U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth. "Our delegation comes to the Games as a family, and when one member of our family suffers a loss, we all grieve with them. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with the Bachman and McCutcheon families."

Family members are not available for comment at this time. They ask members of the media and the public to respect their need for privacy during this difficult time.

The USOC has been in contact with the International Olympic Committee and the Beijing Organizing Committee and both groups have offered their full assistance. The USOC will make additional information available when possible.

Tags: 2008 U.S. Olympic Games Men's Indoor Team, Hugh McCutcheon, Olympic

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On August 09, 2008 Dion Santos wrote

Certainly, my condolences go out to the families involved. By that I mean the families of the Bachmans, the McCutcheons, the US olympic teams, and all in the volleyball community. I had the chance to meet both Wiz and Hugh in person back in 2005. Both were fine examples of both athletes, competitors, and people overall. I am proud of the job the women did amidst this tragedy. I hope our men can overcome just as well. I have to say that I am concerned regarding the circumstances. My investigative experience in military intelligence suggests that this was not a lone assailant acting in a random fashion. All signs point to a kamikaze hit. This "incident" occurred during the middle of the day, when defenses are usually at their lowest. The assailant acted more as an assassin when he attacked both parents but left Wiz uninjured. If this were a simple mugging, the criminal would have probably selected a more profitable target and would certainly have not have killed himself. The location was also convenient for a guilty suicide, thereby eliminating much of the physical evidence. I hope that Mrs. Bachman recovers well. I also hope that our American authorities can get to the bottom of this specific murder and not sweep it under the rug as a solitary tragedy.
On August 09, 2008 Bruce & Cindy Melohn wrote

To Aaron & His Olympic Family: Our hearts are saddened by today's shocking events. Our thoughts and prayers are with the team and all of their families. It's difficult to express how we are feeling. Please know that we are praying and thinking of you and your safe return. Love, All Your Family in Iowa
On August 09, 2008 Tim Davison wrote

Our family sends its deepest condolences to the Bachman family, Wiz and Hugh and to our USA teams. I thought Jenny said it great in her post match remarks after the Japan/USA match. You can tell that the "family" is hurting, but they stepped up and controlled what they could control. May the men do the same! Our prayers are with you! The Davison's
On August 10, 2008 Oscar Orozco wrote

My heart goes out to both families and the rest of the teams... I was in complete SHOCK when I heard of this insane and utterly tragic incident. Please know that this fan and participant of the game is DEEPLY sadden and prays for the recovery of Mrs. Bachman and the rest of the volleyball family.