Paintball Accident Made Him a Widower, and Then a Crusader

Date: 10/5/07

Paintballing? It's fun but at the same time very violent. Many of my friends have gone to play and when they come back, all they show me are bruises. Some have asked me to play but it's too risky for me. You need lots of protection and layers just to be safe and i'm not up for that.

A 14 year old accidently killed Colette Contois as she was watching in a pinic area. He was miguided and the small paintball bullet hit her head. She was left unconscious and died at the scene. Not too long ago a 15 year old died in Washington. Mr. Contois is fighting for awareness trying to make the sport more safer. This game is like fighting a war. The valve and cylinder manufacturers had known of this danger.

Manufacturers and paintball centers are trying to address the safety issues. Such as, spoting lose valves, every five years you would need to replace the valves, and unscrew their guns to check their gas cylinders. The owner of the park where Colette Contois died has closed down his park. He gave it up and now he's a carpenter.

I see the fun and adrenaline rush but at the same time so many are risking their lives. That one bullet can do a lot of damage. I believe they should have an age limit and sign an agreement knowing the responsibilities. Nowadays trying to address important issue and passing a bill can take forever.