Press
01.04.2015

Press release regarding the tragic event that occurred on March 31, 2015 at UTI Shooting Range

UTI Grup, administrator of the UTI Shooting Range located at 107A Olteniței Street in Bucharest, wishes to make the following statement regarding the tragic event that occurred in the evening of March 31 at the range.

First, the company would like to express its compassion for the grieving family, as well as its deep regret for the loss of a wonderful, dedicated colleague. In these challenging times, we stand by the family of our colleague Nicolae Tănase and we show our full support.

Regarding the events that occurred on March 31, subsequent to which our colleague lost his life, we cannot make any comments before the completion of the official investigation carried out by the investigation organisms within the Homicide Department of Bucharest Police and of the Prosecutor’s Office attached to the Bucharest Court. As soon as the results of the investigation are officially notified by the investigators, we will make them available to whomever is interested.

Also, we would like to state that the activity within the UTI Shooting Range is carried out based on permits issued by certified bodies in the field and in accordance to modern provisions. Client access rules and the training procedure are displayed on the website of the shooting range and reminded to our clients by means of rigorous training before shooting sessions.

Also, the personnel has the right to refuse clients who do not meet the specified conditions, which has happened prior, throughout our activity. Unfortunately, the behavior of the young man scheduled for shooting practice in the evening of March 31 did not show any clue that could have prevented this tragedy.

Mr. Nicolae Tănase had a 23-year experience in the field of target practice, having started his career with the Romanian Shooting Sport Federation, where he developed and advanced. Since 2006, he has been an UTI employee, bringing his important contribution to the certification and creation of the UTI Shooting Range, launched in 2009, which he administered as Manager.

Shooting sport was his life’s passion, and all those who knew him can confirm his vast knowledge and experience in the field. He was a true professional and a calm, patient and responsible instructor. He inspired passion for this sport in many – he viewed it as an exercise in mental relaxation, self-control and balance.

His disappearance is a great loss for the company and for all shooting professionals and aficionados.

We would also like to take this opportunity to appeal to the media, asking them to respect the family’s privacy in these very difficult moments, and to give them the opportunity to remember Nicolae in peace and decency.