NovaTTT 1 #1 April 10, 2009 Brian Shelnutt was 27 when he died, April 11, 1993 at Atlanta Skydiving Center, Jenkinsburg, Georgia. His 135 Nova collapsed while turning to land. He was a jumper, our pilot, and our friend. He was at the end of his college education and looking to a bright future which I have no doubt he was going to get and enjoy. Brian was a great guy, a good skydiver, and enjoyed beer-thirty with his friends. Brian was a good pilot - a very good pilot. I remember his pajama-like jumpsuit which he was wearing the last time I jumped from his plane. He loved Metallica. He had a full life which included skydiving. He and I were planning a Zephyrhills trip for a few days of fun jumping turbines. I jumped on Saturday (he piloted) and had some beers afterward. On Sunday, Brian was going to call me after jumping to let me know where to pick him up. I was surprised when he didn't call but I figured something came up and he just couldn't make it. So I went to Zephyrhills and had a great time. When I came back to Atlanta the following Thursday I stopped by the DZ. I was ready to rag on Brian because he didn't call or make the trip. Elly was in manifest and after saying hello the first thing I said to her was, "Where the hell is Brian? I thought he wanted to go to Z-Hills but the son-of-a-bitch never called!" I was ready to bust his chops! Elly said, "Haven't you heard? Brian's dead." I'll never forget that moment, or how shitty I felt while she told me what happened. I had been prepared to rag on Brian and have a big laugh, but he was dead and being grieved for. I enjoyed the beer with Brian on Saturday, April 10. That's my last memory of him and it's a good one. I'll raise a bottle tonight for you. BSBD, Brian."Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NovaTTT 1 #2 April 11, 2012 BSBD, Brian"Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NovaTTT 1 #3 April 11, 2013 20 years ago today - my, how time flies. Tonight I'll raise a cold one in your memory. BSBD"Even in a world where perfection is unattainable, there's still a difference between excellence and mediocrity." Gary73 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
