Posted on Eduards Facebook Page today.


This is a very hard task for me to write this message. And it is difficult to find some proper words. Yesterday early morning, on route to Eduard company was a small car with two our colleagues and friends aboard, Frantisek Toman and Petr Stepanek, hit by a heavy truck. Following fatal crash demolished the car and very seriously injured both men. They were transported by helicopters to hospitals. After some hours information came, that Frantisek passed away due to his injuries in hospital in Usti nad Labem.
Petr is still in critical condition, fighting for live in a Central military hospital in Prague.

Frantisek was the chief of the tools workshop in Eduard, being part of the team since Eduard early years (in fact he was close friend to Eduard founders already from time before the company was founded).
The event shocked everyone and stopped most of the processes in Eduard during yesterday and we are sure that it will be hard to recover. Especially for loss of a friend and a great man. Our deep sympathy comes to his family and several other friends.
Frantisek was also enthusiastic aero-club pilot and lover of historical and sport aviation and a modeler.
On the enclosed photo you may see Frantisek shortly before his ride on a historical sailplane.
Please check Info Eduard 08/2010 (pages 28-29) for a medallion related to him.

English version: http://www.eduard.com/store/out/media/InfoEduard/archive/2010/info-2010-08EN.pdf
Czech version: http://www.eduard.com/store/out/media/InfoEduard/archive/2010/info-2010-08CZ.pdf

Petr Stepanek is Eduard main artist, most of the actual artworks used for Eduard kits box-designs came from his talent. Please check some artworks by Petr posted on this Facebook previously:
- http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=390176044330682&set=a.389455717736048.112401.116570475024575&type=3&theater
- http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=316778535003767&set=a.316778478337106.99222.116570475024575&type=3&theater
- http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=313838968631057&set=a.313838858631068.98814.116570475024575&type=3&theater
- http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=190675877614034&set=a.190675367614085.57701.116570475024575&type=3&theater

We are in hope for Petr and his recovery. The situation is serious. Please, those of you who may pray, do it, all others please join us and his family in hope and wish to Petr good luck and lot of power. He needs it!


Please understand that due to recent events the Eduard Info for April 2012 was not published yesterday as planned, but the release date was moved to next Tuesday. Thank you for your understanding.

JanZ

Wow, when I read the headline I thought of something like a broken tool ... which seems nothing compared to the real facts.

That is a very sad loss for Eduard and modelers who like their kits ... I even cannot imagine what it means for the families.

I think Jean-Luc an me met Frantisek when we visited some time ago when he was "playing" with the machines in the basement of Eduard.

My thoughts are with Petr! and of course with the families and friends of both.

Steffen

This is a very sad news. My thoughts are with the families of Petr and Frantisek and with the Eduard team...

Jean-Luc

Very sad news, my prayers to the families and Petr.

My condolences to rhe entire Eduard organizarion espescially to the families of the accident victims.

Eduard has my family's condolences as well sad news indeed

My sincere condolences to the Eduard family. Please keep us informed.

Sincere condolences for the families, and prayers for Petr's complete and quick recovery. A reminder, it's always a dangerous world out there, even for the peaceful participants in modeling.

My thoughts are with their families friends and loved ones.

Keith

This is terrible news. My condolences, to everyone in this tragedy.

I was shocked to read such desperately sad news. My sincerely condolences go out to Frantisek's family and friends, and we can but hope for Petr's full and speedy recovery.

Rowan

That's just horrible news.
My condolences to everyone touched by the accident.
I wish Petr the fullest and quickest recovery.

Very sad news indeed . I send my thoughts and prayers and wish Petr a speedy recovery .

Tragic news, my thoughts and prayers are with families.

Very sad news. My prayers to the families and for recovery for Petr.

My condolances and prayers for a speedy recovery

That is awful. I had no idea what this post was about until reading the tragedy. Rest in peace and hopes of a steady recovery for Petr.

regards
Mark

What a terrible loss for everybody! My prayers are with their families, and all admirors of Eduard's work!