Teen saves friend, but loses own fight
Stevie Burns' last act freed girl from river's icy grasp
By Chris Barge, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published June 2, 2008 at 11:55 p.m.
The group of friends took this photo at "the potholes" in Glade Park on Saturday morning just before Burns drowned. He and five of his friends were there swimming and he had jumped in to help Kristen Kroonenberg when he got caught in the current. Monday, June 2, 2008. From left is: Kristen Kroonenberg, Aaron Ingels, Stevie Burns, Bailey Roberts, Scott Munson and Megan Voorhorst.
Photo by Family photo, Special to the Rocky
Stevie Burns, 19, is shown in his graduation photo. Stevie drowned at "the potholes" in Glade Park on Saturday.
Photo by Preston Gannaway © The Rocky
Friends of Stevie Burns, 19, talk about him outside his home in Littleton. From left is: Kristen Kroonenberg, Aaron Ingels and Bailey Roberts. Stevie drowned at "the potholes" in Glade Park on Saturday. He and five of his friends were there swimming and he had jumped in to help Kristen Kroonenberg when he got caught in the current.
Twenty minutes before he died, Stephen F. Burns II - the 19- year-old everyone called "Stevie" - crouched with five friends around a red sign.
"Danger. Steep cliffs. Shallow and swift water," it read.
"We all took a picture together by that sign," 19-year-old Kristen Kroonenberg said Monday. "We didn't even pay attention to what it said."
The friends had arrived the night before at what seemed to them a secret campground, nestled on the Little Dolores River, about an hour's drive from Grand Junction, near a swimming hole known by locals as the "potholes."
The group from Littleton had returned to it each summer since discovering the spot two years before.
"It was the most peaceful place I've ever been to," said Eric Fisher. "It went from paradise to hell."
Mesa County oasis
The friends partied and drank Friday night, then slept under the stars and woke up Saturday morning ready for a day of fun and sun by the swimming hole.
They ate bagels. The story goes that Burns shared a margarita that morning with Scott Munson, 20. Aaron Ingels, 22, drank a beer.
No one was close to intoxicated, Ingels said.
Burns stuck his tongue out and grinned for the camera by the sign. Then he led the charge getting everyone in the water.
Ingels and Fisher fell in love with the potholes in 2006, when they discovered the spot after hearing about it from people they worked with at the Mesa County Fair.
They still have the map a ranger at Colorado National Monument marked for them as they drove around looking for the oasis.
Red, 200-foot-tall canyon walls frame the river, which is more of a stream on most visits, tumbling peacefully into cascading pools of tranquil water.
But record runoff levels had turned the Little Dolores into a series of pounding waterfalls by 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
Burns, on his third visit in three years, climbed to a spot 35 feet above the 15-foot-wide pool and jumped in.
The water was colder than ever. Like a thousand knives stabbing every inch of skin.
Burns hoisted himself out. He challenged the others to jump in as he contemplated whether to jump again, this time from 65 feet.
His girlfriend, Megan Voorhorse, 17, jumped from the 35- foot cliff. Kroonenberg followed her in.
Voorhorse climbed out, but Kroonenberg couldn't. She began struggling against the current.
The frigid temperatures were causing her energy to drop rapidly.
"Get down here!" Ingels yelled at Burns.
Burns jumped from the same 35-foot ledge after Kroonenberg.
"He knew he was going to get me out of there and I knew he was going to get me out of there," Kroonenberg said.
Burns handed her off to Ingels, who dragged her out of the hole.
But the current sucked Burns away from the exit point, behind the waterfall, and up against the smooth cliff wall.
His friends watched helplessly from 15 feet away as Burns struggled for nearly five minutes, then grew limp and sank into the icy churn.
CPR unsuccessful
Bailey Roberts, 19, ran a half- mile in bare feet to the nearest farmhouse and got a man there to call 911.
Soon, the torrent spit Burns' lifeless body into a lower pool.
"He was dead when we pulled him out of the water, and we revived him a couple times," Ingels said.
The friends, who were not trained in CPR, did their best to imitate what they'd seen on television.
A volunteer firefighter quickly arrived from Glade Park, about 10 miles away. But Burns was already gone.
Devastated and shocked, the friends drove home, 41/2 hours to Littleton, before authorities could hoist the body up to the road.
They have stayed together at Burns' father's house, consoling each other as well as Burns' 13-year-old sister. They have slept together each night, at least three to a bedroom.
The Columbine High School graduates gathered Monday in the shade in the front yard, sobbing as they took turns retelling the story.
Burns, an Arapahoe Community College student, loved basketball, football, bowling and the pursuit of adrenaline-producing activities, they said.
"I'm really thankful for what he did and I'm proud of him," said Kroonenberg, the friend he saved. "My family is really thankful. He needs to be recognized as a hero. I love him."
bargec@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5059
Memorial service
A viewing for Stephen F. Burns II will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Fairmount Cemetery, 430 S. Quebec St.
* The public is welcome to attend the viewing.
* The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday at the same location.
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June 3, 2008
9:05 a.m.
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fefe writes:
As the mother of three son's again I cried for this family you raised a hero, so may the God of peace comfort your family at this time. When we lose our hero's only makes us realize how blessed we are for having them in our life's. Giving instead of killing for that fact you should be very proud.
June 3, 2008
9:11 a.m.
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olsonmt writes:
Damn kids, they just don't think sometimes. My sympathies to the family and friends. Burns did a brave thing, and the right thing, at that moment. It's too bad these events we set in motion hours before. Drinking, 35' or 65' cliffs, and the spring runoff don't mix.
I keep a few of these kinds of stories and will show them to my kids when they are teenagers. I don't want to scare them into living in a bubble, but I do want them to recognize a dangerous situation when it presents itself and to realize that tradgedies can happen - even to the young and invincible.
June 3, 2008
9:35 a.m.
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Miss_Kitty_Kat_Girl writes:
Some lessons are learned the hard way.
June 3, 2008
9:58 a.m.
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davies writes:
Too bad. At least Stevie saved a life, in giving his up. The other kids will no doubt be haunted about whether they could have saved him. Kids this age take too many chances...
June 3, 2008
11:34 a.m.
Who_Me writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
June 3, 2008
11:53 a.m.
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jd500 writes:
For all the people who seem to have the answers, such as "Who goes camping without rope" , I suspect there wasn't time to go fetch a rope while the young lady was screaming for help.
The kids that were with Stevie did everything they could, you people should be ashamed for opening your BIG MOUTHS.
Didn't your mother's teach you, that if you don't have something nice to say, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!
Although Stevie did not go in vain, it is a horrible, horrible loss, that I would not even wish on those that have posted truly stupid comments here, without thinking.
June 3, 2008
noon
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PixieQwn writes:
I am seriously appalled by the comments left regarding this article and this young mans life. Regardless of the situations surrounding this incident, he gave his life for another. That in itself takes more courage than any of you are showing by the negative comments and critisims. Degrading these young people only shows you have nothing better to do with your time or your lives.
June 3, 2008
12:14 p.m.
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HeavenzSentAngel writes:
I grew up with Stevie, Bailey, Kristen, and Aaron. Stevie was an amazing person! So fun, loving, caring, and talented. Never really saw him angry. He was always out to save somebody. People out there reading this can hear what i have to say. Whether they were drinking or not, he was NEVER immature, or stupid at that. He was a true hero! And my family and i fully commend him for saving Kristen. I'm still in shock at this, it hasnt hit yet, but sympathy goes out to everybody that knows him and his family! Ingles, We love you to death! And if you ever need a friend, we still live across the street from where you used to, so if you ever need anything, even a hug, WERE here! That goes for anyone else that knew him, and know us! R.I.P. Stevie! You're missed!
June 3, 2008
12:22 p.m.
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kitty writes:
Actually, I read these posts nearly every day and cannot believe the insensitive nature of so many people. It is a true hero who will put anothers life before their own....to include the "beauty queen with the Starbucks" as one poster commented. She was his girlfriend for pete's sake! Tell me that you wouldn't want to save any of the people you love and I will say that you are a selfish person! My thoughts and sympathy go out to everyone who was effected by this horrible tragedy!
June 3, 2008
12:36 p.m.
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SLAP writes:
Burns is a hero! Period! They were a group of young friends having a good time. Alcohol...camping...cliff jumping...sounds like a blast! Burns did the right thing in the moment of panic. He knew he was stonger than the Kristin and would have a better chance at making it. Props to the man! You will be missed.
June 3, 2008
12:40 p.m.
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hardball931 writes:
I completely agree Kitty. I was Stevie's neighbor for many years when we were kids we were really good friends along with Aaron Ingels. I now live in California but kept in touch with both of them. He was a great guy and he is a true hero. And I think for someone like "who_me" to say what you did is terrible. Well whoever you are you should take a long hard look in the mirror at yourself and see how you might want to change some things around. Because from what I can tell you are a pretty messed up human being. R.I.P. Stevie
June 3, 2008
12:54 p.m.
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happymike44 writes:
While some of you are lookig at the negative.
Remember one thing or not no one knows what is going to happen every minute of every day no matter how much planning you do.
This kid may have had a drink or two but it did not impair his thinking of saving a life.
To his parents no matter what he did that morning it is still no reason to degade him for a selfless act.
I believe right now his parents need all the support in the world.
He did what many people would never do in a million years.
This kid showed more bravery then many full grown men would ever do.
To his parents you dd a great job and remember these kids are alive because of his sacrifice.
You did a real good job raising him and instilling a value of giving to the world when needed.
He is probably some little kid angels big brother right now.
My heart goes out to you,my nephew died last year in a freak accident.
I still miss him everyday and night.
God look over you and protect you and your family during this time in your life.
June 3, 2008
1:01 p.m.
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squiggy writes:
It is so sad to see how many people out there that do not know God. Some of you should pick up a Bible and read it.
These kids a suffering. They know they have done a stupid thing. They lost a great friend because they have done a stupid thing. What they need to know now it that God is there for them. He will help them get through this very difficult time. Stop judging these kids and each other. Why don't some of you look up a scripture and post that?
My heart and my prayers are with these kids and their families.
Esther 9.22 as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.
June 3, 2008
1:06 p.m.
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itsjustme2 writes:
I will remember Stevie for his smile. He always had one. He will be missed. He has a great family and my thoughts & prayers go out to them.
June 3, 2008
1:44 p.m.
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awayincali writes:
I grew up with stevie and that guy was the sweetest guy in the world. it is so like him to save her life and I am so proud of him!! im gonna miss his always smiling face and those of you who need to post comments that are gonna upset me his family and friends at this time are wrong they didnt know what happen or anything!I love you stevie! you will be missed
June 3, 2008
2:16 p.m.
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harleygirl8605 writes:
to all you people who dont know stevie should really keep ur mouth shut. i didnt know him that well but he was on my bowling league for the last two years and is one of the sweetest guys i have ever met. it is sad what happened but what if kristen was ur daughter wouldnt u be so thankful that he risked his life to save hers? or would u have rathered him just stand there and let her drown. everyone does stupid things... shit happens but dont go and make comments about someone u have no idea who he is. and he wasnt immature. just b/c he has his tounge sticking out in his pictures doesnt mean anything. he was having fun! give him a break he died to save someone else. maybe u r the one who needs to grow up not him.
June 3, 2008
2:33 p.m.
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fleetmack writes:
My thoughts & prayers go out to all of this young hero's family and friends. He did a brave thing and saved a life in the process, take solace in this.
June 3, 2008
2:38 p.m.
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Escape writes:
I didn't know Stevie but rest in peace and I am so sorry to the friends and family.
I can't imagine what it must have been like to be there and what you must all be going through.
I am so sorry.
June 3, 2008
2:44 p.m.
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Miss_Kitty_Kat_Girl writes:
Posted by happymike44 on June 3, 2008 at 12:54 p.m.
"While some of you are lookig at the negative.
Remember one thing or not no one knows what is going to happen every minute of every day no matter how much planning you do.
This kid may have had a drink or two but it did not impair his thinking of saving a life."
I agree, but it did impair all of them of their ability to think of safety precautions and because of their inability to think, they lost a friend. It's a sad day for them.
Some lessons are learned the hard way.
June 3, 2008
2:52 p.m.
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NeilT writes:
nobodyman,
You truly are nobody, man. You’re not contributing one bit to this thread.
They are not “stupid teenagers”, they are just teenagers that did a stupid thing. Just like you and I did. They will have to live with this forever, you’ll forget all about this story in a few weeks. I’m sure they have regrets, but you know what we say about hindsight. Right? I’m sure you, and especially your parents, have plenty of regrets.
This kid is a hero. They all participated in a dumb act. Bad things happened. He sacrificed his life for the benefit of another. I don’t even know the kid, but I’m proud of him. I hope his friends go one to do something great with their lives, always keeping in mind this kids spirit and sacrifice for them.
June 3, 2008
3:06 p.m.
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OhBrother writes:
nobody-"It's mildly amusing watching all the bleeding hearts get all worked up and see and read things that aren't there"
wow man...that takes the cake! al lot of those bleeding hearts are called his FAMILY and FRIENDS! Maybe you can remain 100% level headed when a close fmaily member or friend dies suddenly but then again your probaly perfect in every way. who cares if they did somthing stupid, does it make you fell good or do you get some sort of award for pointing it out? yuk it up in your personal circle if you want but no need to do it here. You ever heard of RIP? show some respect for the deceased
June 3, 2008
3:22 p.m.
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golfgirl1023 writes:
Parents should never have to bury their children. RIP Stevie.
June 3, 2008
3:34 p.m.
666 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
June 3, 2008
4:49 p.m.
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tm3869 writes:
666:
It looks like they are flashing peace signs to me......
June 3, 2008
5:02 p.m.
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peacebeats writes:
Wow what a tragedy. Your friend was a brave and true hero. In this time of mourning surround yourselves by those that love and support you the most. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.
June 3, 2008
5:36 p.m.
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RAC78 writes:
"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." ~ Abraham Lincoln
My sympathies to Stevie's family and friends. I found a little more info on the Grand Junction Free Press web site.
www.gjfreepress.com/article/20080602/COMMUNITY_NEWS/322877999
June 3, 2008
5:52 p.m.
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American100 writes:
This story made my wife cry.
This is something our son would do.
2 Years ago our friends 16 year old son was fishing when he realized his dog was being electricuted in the water. There was a cable that somehow became exposed.
The boy jumped in to save his dog. The dog managed to escape but the boy died.
I've never seen such terrible pain as his mother is still experiencing.
Heart breaking.
God bless the family of this brave, heroic young man.
June 3, 2008
5:55 p.m.
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American100 writes:
Nobody man, your name says it all. You really are one dumb son of a itch.
June 3, 2008
6:06 p.m.
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hereandnow writes:
Wow I am so disheartened by this thread. Stevie's life deserves praise regardless of anonymous stranger's opinions on how he lost it. I will miss him and I know many others whos lives he touched will as well. Rest in peace big guy.
June 3, 2008
6:09 p.m.
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artzencrafts writes:
R U Kidding? If all teenagers who behaved stupidly died, none of us would have made it to adulthood! It is also a hallmark of youth to live life with full abandon - and if you can't do it when you're young, when can you? My heart breaks for his family and friends. Surely they have lost a vibrant soul. His life was short, but I suspect the comfort will be that he lived it to the fullest.
June 3, 2008
6:58 p.m.
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JustSayin writes:
"His friends watched helplessly from 15 feet away as Burns struggled for nearly five minutes, then grew limp and sank into the icy churn"
"The friends, who were not trained in CPR, did their best to imitate what they'd seen on television." ?!?
You done good, young man, nice job saving your friend. Too bad your friends weren't anywhere near up to your level......
June 3, 2008
9:04 p.m.
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gran4925 writes:
I have never been so disgusted in my life. A person has tragically died here and all some of you can say is, stupid teens or he should have had rope? Are you kidding me? You are talking about someone's son, or brother or boyfriend or grandson or best friend. Shame on all of you. Stevie was a good person and I know he would never respond in the way that some of you have. Just another example that the good ones are taken too young.
June 3, 2008
11:43 p.m.
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Marmot writes:
This sentence in the article really bothers me: "His friends watched helplessly from 15 feet away as Burns struggled for nearly five minutes." I hope this isn't what actually happened and that his friends (other than the one who went running for help) did not consider themselves "helpless" observers, but rather scrambled to try to figure out a way -- a branch, a tent pole, a human chain, a backpack, a sleeping bag or a combination of these -- to reach across 15 feet of churning water. If they did not try to help him, but instead watched him "helplessly" I fear they will live the remainder of their lives questioning their own actions that day.
Two decades ago, I found myself in a similar situation, staring across the churning waters of a New England waterfall at a friend who had attempted to jump through the fall from a "cave" on the inside of it. She went under several times and was waving her arms, struggling to stay above the waters. I found myself choosing not to jump into the waters to rescue her, and wondering at that very moment if I'd regret that decision for the rest of my life. I knew the odds were high I too would drown. By luck I found a fallen branch and the currents drew her close enough to grab the branch; I pulled her to safety. I nonetheless tormented myself over whether I had been a coward for deciding not to jump into the whirlpool and thanked God that my reluctance had not in the end mattered, as my friend was saved by other means. I'm sure Stevie ran through the same thought process, and in an instant, he made a very brave decision to save another (not his girlfriend) whom he'd encouraged to go into the water. He is now at peace, and he knew in the end that his bravery had meant everything for Kristen.
June 4, 2008
10:04 a.m.
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American100 writes:
Juggygails, only be ashamed of yourself, and DO be ashamed of yourself.
June 4, 2008
10:56 a.m.
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Believer57 writes:
It really does hinder my spirits to read some of these comments. I knew Stevie for about five years, and he has always been a sweet heart. In fact, one time when we were younger he rode his bike 15 minutes in the pouring rain to come see me when I needed him. He always put others before himself. Thank his parents for raising such an amazing young man. I am a firm believer in Christ and God's will. I feel like I can find some peace in the fact that it was his time. The lives he changed will somehow change the world. It is all part of His plan. I know some of the friends that were there and I can assure you that they did what they could. Do not criticize something when you only know what the press is telling you. Have a soul. The world is cruel, but it is people like Stevie who allow you to lighten your spirit. His will live on through all of his loved ones.
Isaiah 40:31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary.
Stevie is in a much better place. At times like these you should focus your prayers on the family and friends. Some of the comments I am reading make me feel much more mature than an adult. Everyone, even adults, do stupid things sometimes. Instead of criticize what has already happened, comfort those who need it most right now.
June 4, 2008
10:58 a.m.
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Believer57 writes:
Oh and the surrounding areas of Columbine High School is a wonderful are. It is a community that has had to come together too many times to count, but our faith and support for one another is astounding. If you don't like it, you are more than welcome to move.
June 4, 2008
12:32 p.m.
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4gColoNative writes:
As for the friends ... they appear like a narcissistic bunch ... I'll give odds that one or more of them have taken their photo from the Rocky and put it in their scrapbooks or on their My Space pages. Some tragedy to pump up their personas.
- Am I right?
June 4, 2008
1:50 p.m.
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Believer57 writes:
4gColoNative: See...why is that even necessary? These are real people we are talking about! so uncalled for...I am almost at a loss for words...No one would ever use something like this as a persona pump up...you are totally messed up to say something like that. Where is your heart? You are so completely out of line! Once again, you all really need to stop. you don't know any of us or what our personalities are like. Most importantly his family is going to be reading these. All your words are doing is twisting a knife. And us "teenagers" are so immature. Look at yourselves!
June 5, 2008
10:37 a.m.
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theplacesyouwillgo writes:
It disgusts me to read comments that refer to this story like it is about a lesson learned or some teenager's "poor judgment." To those making these comments, Stevie is just another face, another life lost too soon. But to myself, and many of those in the Columbine community, he was a friend, a classmate, a son, a person that my friends and I would hang out with on weekends, singing Led Zeppelin songs at the top of our lungs with. I caution those who are using his story as an example of "those damn teenagers" to remember that to you, he may be just another unknown kid. But to us, he was so much more. And I am more than let-down to read comments with such cynicism being posted in a time when those of us who knew Stevie are struggling to rouse in ourselves the slightest bit of optimism.
June 6, 2008
7:43 p.m.
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dnvrsangel1 writes:
I agree with you theplacesyouwillgo, as I do know this young man and his friends and his girlfriend especially. They are bright, young, effervescent, engaging and caring people and what happened is a senseless tragedy -- made worse by the insensitivity and anonymity that the internet brings out.
I know that this was day was beyond horrible for this family and all those affected by this. I can only hope that those of you who are so quick with the quips and the jabs never must suffer in this manner.
My thoughts to the Burns family. I am thinking and praying for your comfort through these very dark and painful days ahead. All of us will be with you and help you in anyway we can.
To the survivors and their families: remember singing, remember his smile, and never forget what a wonderful friend he has been. To all of you, this will never go away...and for that pain and grief, I am so so so sorry for all of you. Know that we are all here with you each moment of every day.
All my love to all.
July 1, 2008
12:25 p.m.
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MadDog writes:
If anyone has not lived through their teen years and done some or many stupid things that they look back and feel lucky they even survived, then they were not normal teens. Nearly every accident could have been prevented by thinking more clearly ahead of time. Pointing fingers or second guessing what could have been done is pointless. Stevie is "My Hero," and I never new him! (Hi Peelie) Commendations for Stevie, and grief for family and friends are what is needed, not idiot second guessing and antagonizing like some are doing. This could or could have been anyone of you or your family/friends. Just pray that a "Stevie" is around to save you/your child/sibling/friend if they happen to get in a similar situation.