“Broken, yes. Ruined, no.”–Father Of Polly Rogers Speaks Out
CHARLOTTE, NC. — The father of UNC Charlotte sophomore, Polly Rogers, spoke to WCCB Charlotte’s Alexandra Elich about the loss of his daughter. Polly died after falling out of a party bus in May.
Tim Rogers wears a bracelet that says, ‘Be kind to one another’. One of the many memories he carries of his daughter, Polly.
“If I could figure out a way to match her sarcasm and charisma, I’d try to create a word that intersects like sarcharisma,” says Tim.
Tim lights up when he talks about his artistic, vibrant, caring and music festival loving daughter. The 20-year-old was studying special education at UNC Charlotte.
“Very artistic, but also but not really flamboyant or anything like that. But drawn to arts.”
On May 2nd, Tim got a the life changing phone call. He says the news on the other line, made him breathless.
“We got the call that there had been an accident and that Polly did not make it.”
The UNC Charlotte sophomore tragically died after falling out of an emergency window on a Charlotte Party Charters bus. Two cars hit her, police are still searching for one of the drivers.
“Part of the soul continues to shatter in certain ways, and part of the job is piecing it back together and be stronger in the places where you’re broken.”
Tim focuses on moving forward with his wife and two sons, Will and Patrick. A sensory garden honoring Polly’s memory is in the works. It will be located in the Botanical Gardens at UNC Charlotte. Another way for Tim and his family to heal.
“Broken, yes. Ruined, no. Then we’re not doing a sensory garden and we’re not connecting Polly’s life to people who need it and be inspired by her story.”
When the accident happened the owner of the party bus, Victor Rabb, surrendered the bus to State Troopers for inspection. Rabb was cited for not having insurance on the bus, as well as carrying fake license plates.
On Monday, Rabb was in court. He pled guilty to operating a vehicle with no insurance and was ordered to pay a fine and court costs.
