Sep 12, 2006, 11:22 PM
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Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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I don't think we've ever done this before...
To the family of Reed, if you are reading this, I am very sorry that your son/ brother/ friend has died. I am sorry for the pain that you feel and the extreme loss you feel.
Reed was young; I can only hope that he lived a strong and interesting life that he was proud of.
We, the skydiving community, are thinking about you, Reed, and your family.
I was there that day; had I seen you I would have extended a seat or offered a drink and I would have certainly given you hugs and cried tears with you. I'm able to do this because I work as an EMT and deal with death and family members often. Please forgive my fellow jumpers who did not provide these tiny offerings; they may not know how to handle the death of a skydiving student.
We do care, we do mourn your loss.
Sincerely,
Kelly Evans, a skydiver
edit to add: Please guys, add to this thread. Help this family in case they are out there reading this.
(This post was edited by Kelly on Sep 12, 2006, 11:23 PM)
Sep 12, 2006, 11:53 PM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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i just received an email earlier from a good friend of mine's girlfriend tonight, that read a blog i posted in memory of pj... she happened to know michael - she said he was a remarkable guy and just a lot of fun to be around
it was a very sad day and if his family is reading this i send my deepest condolences to you and his friends as well
Sep 13, 2006, 9:47 AM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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I think Kelly said it best when she said:
"Please forgive my fellow jumpers who did not provide these tiny offerings; they may not know how to handle the death of a skydiving student."
I can only speak for myself when I say I don't know how to handle death, be it a skydiver or not, so I tend to just stay clear.
I did not know Reed but anyone who engages in this type of activity shows a real zest for life of which I truly admire. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Sep 13, 2006, 10:07 AM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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Well said. I wasn't there. I didn't know Reed, but making one jump still makes him a skydiver to mourn the loss of, no matter how briefly he was a member of our jumping family.
Sep 13, 2006, 10:28 AM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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Very well said. Thanks, Kelly, for doing this.
I agree: We all mourn the loss of a member of the skydiving community. By making his tandem jump, Reed became one of us. I'm sure that the perceived lack of caring that his family may have felt was really people not knowing what to do in the face of overwhelming grief. I wish their experience had been different.
Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I wish you peace.
Sep 13, 2006, 3:32 PM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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My deepest sympathy goes out to Reed's loved ones. It is that first tandem (or other type of jump) that we get our first taste of freefall and flying under canopy. We've all experienced that first. Yes, he is a skydiver. I'm saddened it was only for a short time.
Sep 13, 2006, 3:36 PM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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Reed,
Blue Skies.
To the family of Reed Michael Loeschke,
What I've learned
The hollow will be tangible. The loss - overpowering at times... And yet, the sun will still rise - unfazed, the wind will still glide along its path, and the days will journey on and on.... Even if the world may not seem to care, the people do and don't forget.
Remember his smiles, passions and loves. Remember all those dear to your heart. Thank them for their influence in your life. Care for each other.
Blue Skies
Karen
(This post was edited by kbordson on Sep 13, 2006, 3:38 PM)
Sep 13, 2006, 5:38 PM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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My sincere condolences to Reed's family and friends. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I understand way to well what it is to lose someone close to you to this sport. I also felt similar feelings of anger toward friends who could do nothing but stare at the ground when I felt the most intense pain ever. Like myself, you must understand that people mourn differently and show their sympathy differently. For now, please know that many of us feel your pain and would love to reach out with support.
Sep 13, 2006, 8:44 PM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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I have been close friends with Reed for 13 years, and was with him up to his final moments, before making my own first jump just minutes before him.
I am deeply moved by all of your kind remarks and condolences. Reed was a great friend and a great guy, and his death is so difficult for all of us to bear.
I am touched that you have opened your hearts to mourning his loss and have accepted him into your skydiving fraternity. I don't know why the Inquirer would stereotype and depict skydivers the way they did, but their coverage has been distasteful and inaccurate.
I am very sorry for the loss of PJ as well. I am sure he is sorely missed by his friends and family, and he is in our thoughts as well.
Mark
(This post was edited by sctr on Sep 13, 2006, 8:49 PM)
Sep 13, 2006, 10:53 PM
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Re: [sctr] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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You, his family, and all his other friends have my sincerest condolences. A double malfunction is an extremely rare occurence, and I can't tell you how much I wish this one hadn't cost us our friends.
Sep 14, 2006, 4:28 AM
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Re: [livendive] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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to Reed's family and friends - I am so sorry for your loss. he must've been a wonderful person, and hopefully lived his short life to it's fullest. Reed, BSBD. You won't be forgotten.
Sep 14, 2006, 8:49 PM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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Kelly
Thank you for starting this thread. YOU ROCK. After all, Reed was one of us.
Mark,
Thank you for posting here., Please encourage Reed's friends and family to come by and view the posts, tell us more about Reed, and share their memories with us.
My deepest condolensces to his friends and family.
Scott M. Cross Keys Controlled Descent 4-way Formation Skydiving Team
Sep 16, 2006, 7:43 PM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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Kelly, Thanks for doing this...
To the family of Reed Michael Loeschke, words are just too hollow to really convey the emotion we feel about our loss of Reed and PJ. I was there that day and watched the police escort a young woman who was there with Reed to the scene. I watched her walk out of there knowing what had happened, I know what I felt watching her leave and it tore me up, I can speak for all of us there that day, words can't describe how emotionally painful it was.
We can't change anything now, but our prayers are with your family and friends of PJ and Reed, only God and time can put some distance on this tragedy.
Warmest Regards and God Speed
You are not alone in our loss,
(This post was edited by VMO on Sep 16, 2006, 8:42 PM)
Sep 16, 2006, 11:43 PM
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Re: [VMO] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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Yesterday morning I went to the services for Reed. I had the honor of meeting his parents and sister. They are a remarkable family and I am grateful to have had the chance to extend our sympathies to them.
To Reed's family- from the pictures I saw he looked like a remarkable man. I hope those letters bring you comfort.
Sep 17, 2006, 9:10 PM
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Re: [Kelly] Condolences, Reed Michael Loeschke
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Hi everyone,
I learned of this forum, and this thread in particular, this past Thursday. Reading it has stirred up so many emotions, but it has been theraputic beyond words.
I have known Reed for most of my life. As my brother's best friend, he was an extension of our family and one of the greatest guys you would ever want to know. I had the honor of spending last Sunday with him, where we all made our jumps. ~We were brand new to the sport with the exception of Reed who was jumping for a second time.
This past week has been a nightmare that none of us have been able to wake from. The shock and pain we are all experiencing is like nothing else. That is why your posts have meant so much. They are all so touching and sincere and have truly helped to fill this seemingly endless void that Reed's death has left us with.
Kelly, thank you so much for all of your kindness and concern. I am truly grateful for all you have done. I'm really sorry I did not get the opportunity to meet you on Friday, but was so touched that you were there.
