Editor's note: To offer condolences, please scroll to the bottom of the article and leave your remarks in the comments section.
The remaining general sessions of the Swedish-American Entrepreneurial Days business conference in Savannah have been canceled after a Swedish delegate died in an accident late Tuesday night, April 21.
Nils Eric Svensson, an economic development official from southern Sweden, was struck by a small pick-up truck in a crosswalk as he was crossing Oglethorpe Street downtown.
Mr. Svensson was taken to Memorial University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead near midnight from injuries sustained in the incident.
Mr. Svensson was business development manager for Region Skåne, an economic development agency promoting Skåne, the southernmost region of Sweden. He hosted GlobalGeorgia during a trip to Sweden in early April, where he said that the region would seek business partners at the Savannah conference.
Business matchmaking sessions are continuing at the conference, which is organized by the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, but the tragedy has sapped much of the event's energy, and many exhibitors have packed up their displays.
Another Swedish delegate, a woman identified as Christine Bjarkby, was hit at the same time as Mr. Svensson and was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Ms. Bjarkby works for the Invest in Sweden agency to attract investment into western Sweden. Swedish chamber officials said this morning that she remains at the hospital in stable condition.
The incident occurred as a group of about 30 Swedish and American businesspeople was walking through historic downtown after a chamber dinner. As a small group crossed the street, the truck hit Mr. Svensson and Ms. Bjarkby.
Police said the driver of the pick-up stopped immediately, and members of the group responded quickly with calls for help. Police closed Oglethorpe Street between Harris and Whitaker streets after the incident.
A brief memorial service was held for Mr. Svensson at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront Hotel this morning. The Marriott, which is hosting the Edays conference, has its flags flying at half mast.
Mayor Otis Johnson, flanked by members of the Savannah City Council, offered his condolences and the city's support at the memorial.
Updates will be filed later today.
2010 The Agio Press, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without expressed permission.
Comments:
Meg Albertson:
It is with heartfelt sympathy that my thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Svensson and Ms. Bjarkby as well as all of the delegates and participants at the conference. A tragic end to such an amazing conference.
April 22, 2009 4:51 p.m.
Page Siplon:
Nils Eric was just the kind of innovative, energetic, creative, collaborative, freindly, smart person that we need in this world. Constantly forming partnerships and relationships from Savannah to Sweden and beyond. I personally will truly miss working with him and there is no doubt that the world will not be as nice a place without Nils. My sincere condolances go out to his wife, daughter and family. Nils WILL be missed...
April 22, 2009 7:04 p.m.
Kathleen Fritz:
My deepest sympathies on this tragic event. My thoughts and prayers are for Ms Bjarkby's recovery and with their families.
April 22, 2009 9:50 p.m.
Jim Goodlett:
Our sincere condolences to the family of Eric, and as well to his friends and colleagues working within the Swedish American business exchange efforts. We greatly appreciate his energy and commitment to bringing mutually beneficial trade to both our regions, and quite simply extending the hand of friendship. Having worked with SEDA and tCCA previously on an interchange, I know the value of these efforts and as well the passion that belies people like Eric. It should go without saying if there is anything we can do to give aid during this rather sad time, please let us know.
warm regards,
Jim
Jim Goodlett
President, Morris Technology
April 22, 2009 9:53 p.m.
Lee Grimes:
My prayers are for Nils family and friends during this tragedy and also for Ms. Bjarkby during her recovery. May she find Savannah not just lovely, but loving as well.
April 23, 2009 9:06 a.m.
Kay Wiestål:
I´m so sad to got the message that Nils-Erik not longer are with us
after that tragic accident.
April 23, 2009 9:17 a.m.
Erica Scales:
My prayers are sent to his family and friends. With deep sympathy.
April 23, 2009 9:54 a.m.
Leigh Lawless:
My heart breaks for all who knew and loved Mr. Svensson. I also wish Ms. Bjarkby a fast and comfortable recovery. My thoughts and prayers go out to the SACC community and the entire Swedish delegation with whom we worked so closely this week.
April 23, 2009 9:54 a.m.
Hannah Byrne:
Our entire city mourns the loss of your loved one and colleague. Our thoughts are with you every moment as each of you connected with Mr. Svensson & the recovering Ms. Bjarkby endure this time of heartache.
April 23, 2009 10:55 a.m.
Lesley Dubin:
He made wonderful use of his life and he saved another life! He was not alone. I held his hand and kissed it as long as I could. He touched so many lives and had made a lasting impression on me since meeting him Jan24, 2008 with the incredible way he reached out to help little me.
April 23, 2009 11:39 a.m.
Brynn Grant:
It is with a heavy heart and the deepest respect that I offer condolences to our many Swedish partners and friends for the tragic loss of Nils Eric Svensson. My thoughts and prayers are especially for his family.
I am grateful Ms. Bjarkby is in stable condition and I commit to all concerned that many here in Savannah will continue to support her as best as we can.
May all who have been touched by this horrible accident be blessed, healed and somehow made better.
April 23, 2009 10:47 p.m.
Burton Sauls:
My condolences. Many people in Savannah are feeling this loss with you.
April 24, 2009 2:19 p.m.
Renee Bishop:
I am so sorry for your loss. I moved to Savannah three and a half years ago and have come to love it very much. I am heartsick that Mr. Svensson and Ms. Bjarkby found such tragedy here. I will think of them often. I am so very, very sorry.
April 27, 2009 11:32 a.m.
Fran Powell Harold:
On behalf of the staff of the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace which is located near the site of the tragic accident, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family of Eric Svensson and our wishes for a complete and swift recovery for Christine Bjarkby. We are so sorry for your loss.
April 27, 2009 11:42 a.m.
Glen Whitley:
On behalf of TechAmerica I want to express my deepest sympathies the the friends and family of Mr. Svensson and wish Ms. Bjarkby a speedy recovery. She is in good hands with the good people of Savannah. I was saddened by the tragic loss.
April 27, 2009 12:03 p.m.
Mee Eriksson:
Nils Eric was a very good friend of mine as well as business colleague and fellow “Skåning”. For the past years he had played an important role in the trade relations between the state of Georgia and Sweden and the planning of this Edays conference. My thoughts are with the family of Nils Eric in this difficult time of sorrow. I like to thank everyone and especially the Savannah community for your overwhelming support. We are glad to have you as friends.
April 27, 2009 12:12 p.m.
Martin Nyberg:
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the loss of Nils-Eric. My heart goes out to his family and all his friends and colleagues. The world is a lesser place without Nils-Eric in it.
May 05, 2009 4:45 a.m.
