base428 1 #1 February 9, 2005 I just got word that Jon Dragan had two strokes on Monday. If you've been to Bridge Day, you would remember him as the guy who gave the water rescue briefing at the jumper meetings on Friday night. They are saying Jon might not make it. Prayers are needed. A pic of Jon is attached.(c)2010 Vertical Visions. No unauthorized duplication permitted. <==For the media only Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Treejumps 0 #2 February 9, 2005 Bummer. When I wrote a proposal to the BDC in 2000 Jon was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Jon has been there since the beginning of BD and has supported base thoroughly. Many do not know that Jon and his brother are the guys who basically created the whitewater rafting industry in WV. He is a pioneer in his sport and a great guy to have at BD. We are pulling for you Jon! Tree Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickDG 23 #3 February 9, 2005 Jon is a Bridge Day treasure. And ultimately responsible for rescuing more BASE jumpers than anyone else on the planet . . . My good thoughts are with you, Jon. NickD BASE 194 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 25 #4 February 9, 2005 Jason, If you have an address for well wishes (or condolences, if that becomes appropriate), could you post it? I think it would be nice if a bunch of jumpers could send cards. So I'll start.-- Tom Aiello [email protected] SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base428 1 #5 February 9, 2005 I just talked to Jon's wife, Melanie. He opened his eyes briefly today, but things are still not going very well apparently. She mentioned that they tried to life flight him to Morgantown earlier in the week, but it was delayed due to bad weather. Jon is apparently not conscious at this time. He is at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. Ruby is one of the best hospitals in the state. Phone number is 304-598-4000. He is in CCU#3. I'm going to try and visit him either tonight or Friday, as I'll be in the area then. So if you want me to send him or his family any messages, just post them here and I'll make sure they get a copy. More info later....(c)2010 Vertical Visions. No unauthorized duplication permitted. <==For the media only Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
truckerbase 0 #6 February 9, 2005 Good vibes and high hopes for Jon's recovery, wishes that his doctor and medical science will prevail..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blair700 0 #7 February 9, 2005 Great prayers and good vibes for you and your family Jon!!!! Blair Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tymkoder 0 #8 February 10, 2005 Jon and his crew have saved me twice.. Just let him know we dont forget that.CHICKEN MAN BASE 954 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydude 0 #9 February 10, 2005 Jason thanks for posting this, John & friends saved me once I've always enjoyed his briefing's at BD ! He's one of the good guys ! Thoughts and prayers for him and his familyIs it Bridge Day Yet ? :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base428 1 #10 February 10, 2005 I just got this email from Fayetteville: They have taken Jon off the ventilator and he is breathing on his own. Also he has opened his eyes and seems to be able to focus. Please continue to lift your thoughts and prayers.(c)2010 Vertical Visions. No unauthorized duplication permitted. <==For the media only Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
K763 0 #11 February 10, 2005 I've been plucked out of the river twice by Jon and his crew, and have always been very grateful for the work they perform. Please give my best wishes to Jon's wife and family and tell them that we are all sending healing energy and good vibes their way. Thanks, Jason, for doing what you do. Peace, K Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base428 1 #12 February 11, 2005 Jon passed away last night. He was an organ donor, so they are currently working on getting his organs to others. The family said their goodbyes last night. The fact that Jon might be helping others by donating his organs is very comforting. More details as I get them. Funeral will be Tues or Wed in Oak Hill. He was a great guy and will be greatly missed. Here is a pic from his Bridge Day 2004 speech to the crowd.(c)2010 Vertical Visions. No unauthorized duplication permitted. <==For the media only Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TomAiello 25 #13 February 11, 2005 Rest in Piece, John. You gave greatly of yourself to a group of people who you had no need to help. Your efforts were greatly appreciated, and your selflessness was an example to be followed. Jason, I'd like to send a card to the family, if there is an appropriate address to do so.-- Tom Aiello [email protected] SnakeRiverBASE.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eb66to77 0 #14 February 11, 2005 My condolences to the family. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McDuck 0 #15 February 11, 2005 My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.Kevin - Sonic Beef #5 - OrFun #28 "I never take myself too seriously, 'cuz everybody know fat birds don't fly." - FLC Online communities: proof that people never mature much past high school. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base428 1 #16 February 11, 2005 Working on it. I'll post the address here shortly. QuoteI'd like to send a card to the family, if there is an appropriate address to do so.(c)2010 Vertical Visions. No unauthorized duplication permitted. <==For the media only Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickDG 23 #17 February 11, 2005 Shit. God's got some explaining to do . . . NickD BASE 194 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blitzkrieg 0 #18 February 11, 2005 my condolences... we will all suffer a great loss... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickDG 23 #19 February 11, 2005 Jon is going to get the first posthumous "BASE Fellowship Award" and I'm now kicking myself for not doing it sooner. Someone please PM me an address for where I can send it. NickD BASE 194 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Treejumps 0 #20 February 11, 2005 RIP Thanks for all that you have done for those you did not know. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sfullerman 0 #21 February 11, 2005 Condolences to his family and wide circle of friends. What year did Jon begin dragging folks out of the river on BD? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
leroydb 0 #22 February 11, 2005 Condolences to his family and friends. Though I never met you, you helped us all in many ways. RIPLeroy ..I knew I was an unwanted baby when I saw my bath toys were a toaster and a radio... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base428 1 #23 February 11, 2005 Cards, letters, etc. can be sent to Jon's wife at: Melanie Dragan 2 Thurmond Station Thurmond, WV 25936 also: Jon A. Dragan Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Leadership Fayette County 310 Oyler Avenue Oak Hill, WV 25901 The family has requested donations to the scholarship fund listed above in lieu of flowers. I believe Jon has always done the water rescue since it began in 1984. QuoteWhat year did Jon begin dragging folks out of the river on BD?(c)2010 Vertical Visions. No unauthorized duplication permitted. <==For the media only Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eb66to77 0 #24 February 12, 2005 Thanks Jason. If they need anything please post it here. Our community needs to be self contained and that is what Jon was helping us with. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JOY 0 #25 February 15, 2005 Jon and a little later Chris Dragon have been some of our best friends at B Day since at least 84. In 82 and 83, we had kayaks and rubber rafts with orrs. In 83, after the first B Day fatality was a drowning, we used Jon's motorized rafts and experts to rescue us. Never had a problem after that with drowning. Jon was the best and always liked the BASE jumpers. I guess exciting sports ran in Jon's blood too. My best to the family and Thanks Jon for all you did in those formative years of B Day to make sure we got it right. Rick Harrison[email protected] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites