VVC teacher dies after freak archery accident

- June 12, 2008 - 6:22PM
By BEATRIZ E. VALENZUELA - staff writer

SPRING VALLEY LAKE — An assistant professor at Victor Valley College died Thursday following a freak accident when an archery bow broke, penetrating his head, officials said.
When the compound bow broke, a 14-inch portion lodged in Robert Feddersen’s head, according to his friend and colleague Paul Tonning. The accident happened Monday afternoon at Feddersen’s Spring Valley Lake home.
Feddersen, 36, was transported to Loma Linda University Medical Center, according to San Bernardino County Fire Department officials. There he underwent surgery to remove the broken bow.
“The family had to make a decision to either leave the rod in place, which would have meant very little chance for Robert’s survival, or operate and remove it, which meant he would have the chance of severe hemorrhaging,” said Tonning’s blog. “It was not an easy decision to say the least, but the family opted for surgery.”
Feddersen took a turn for the worse and died on Thursday, according to Bill Greulich, spokesman for the college.
“It’s just a terrible loss,” Gruelich said. “I’m saddened by the news and feel for his family and friends.”
Tonning has known Feddersen for 10 years when Feddersen was a student in Tonning’s class.
“He’s very compassionate and very passionate about his job and about his teaching,” said an emotional Tonning.
Fellow professor Shane Thomas, who along with Feddersen and Tonning were known as the Three Amigos, also felt a great loss at Feddersen’s death.
“He’s a really good friend,” Thomas said. “He’s the kind of guy who would drop whatever he’s doing to help anyone.”

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