Face
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Face
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July 9th, 2011 at 1:45:34 PM permalink
A few years back, a Seargent in America's Army was struck by an I.E.D. while traveling via Humvee in Iraq and died. Through the actions of his fellow soldiers, he was brought back to life and made it to the medics.

As the medics fought to save his life, he died again. Through luck? Divine intervention? Random happenstance? he was again brought back to life. News hit our shores of the accident, and info was patchy. Would he survive? Would he be severely disabled? Would he know who he and his family were?

A short while later, it was learned the Sgt. would lose both his legs, the right just above the knee, the left just below the waist, but would survive. His recovery was nothing short of miraculous as he inccurred no brain damage. Other than his legs, he would survive well.

He came home to a hero's welcome. Friends and family choked the airport. Hundreds of friends and fellow soldiers attended his arrival and subsequent motorcade back to his home. He had made it. He was home. He was safe.

The years following were full of goals made and met. The Sgt. was able to move himself under his own power. Months of rehab got him into new legs. A tracked wheelchair was given to him for use at his country home. A car was outfitted to allow him to use it. Pictures flowed in showing times in the woods, successful fishing trips, family outings....

The Sgt. gave thanks to God, saying anything is possible under his watch. His family, serious Christians, creditted the same, as He helped them through one of the worse tragedies in their life. When questioned, the Sgt. stated he was going to live his life to the fullest. Nothing was out of bounds, nothing was impossible, he was going for it.

Yesterday (7/08/11) the Sgt. made it to WNY's 6 Flags Theme Park at Darien Lake. He went for the biggest coaster in the park, Superman's Ride of Steel. Being restrained in the ride by a seat belt and lap bar, and the Sgt having no legs, he went down the first hill, up to the crest of the second, and came out of his seat. Reports are still sketchy, some say he fell, some say he was run over, but details aside, the Sgt was killed instantly.

I'm having trouble coping. I'm not even to his death yet, I still can't wrap my head around the idea of it. Very numb, very disconnected. I've known this man (kid, he's always a kid to me) for 25 years, since I was 5. He was a grade under me, his sister in my grade, his brother a grade above. Lived just up the street from me. And his parents.....better people have rarely treaded this Earth. How does one cope with losing a son 3 times?

My mind's a clusterfuck, hoping that writing breaks down the stonewalled emotions. So begins the healing...
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buzzpaff
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July 9th, 2011 at 4:30:03 PM permalink
There but for the grace of God goes I. One more reason to hug your kids every night.
pacomartin
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July 9th, 2011 at 4:46:40 PM permalink
news article

I am deeply sorry for losing your friend.
buzzpaff
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July 9th, 2011 at 5:20:59 PM permalink
" How does one cope with losing a son 3 times?" How the hell do you deal with losing a child once !!!!
I can not start to comprehend that pain. I lost a granddaughter thru my daughter's drug use. Alayna
was adopted by a Christian family who regularrly emails pix and videos. She is 7 years old now but the pain
never diminishes.
DJTeddyBear
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July 9th, 2011 at 5:29:10 PM permalink
Wow.
Sorry for the loss.
I invented a few casino games. Info: http://www.DaveMillerGaming.com/ ————————————————————————————————————— Superstitions are silly, childish, irrational rituals, born out of fear of the unknown. But how much does it cost to knock on wood? 😁
DorothyGale
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July 9th, 2011 at 6:53:44 PM permalink
Face,

I'm really really sorry ... that's a horrible story and it must be incredibly difficult for you to deal with that. Hang in there. Experiencing a death of someone close is tougher than anyone can know.

You are doing the right thing posting the story here ... tell it often.

--Ms. D.
"Who would have thought a good little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness!"
timberjim
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July 9th, 2011 at 7:35:19 PM permalink
Quote: DorothyGale


You are doing the right thing posting the story here ... tell it often.

--Ms. D.



Absolutely the right advice. Don't keep it in and let it fester. It is truly a terrible tragedy. When you are able, celebrate your friends tremendous courage.
boymimbo
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July 10th, 2011 at 6:46:22 AM permalink
Wow, Face, that's quite a story. Had he been wearing his legs for the ride, he might have been safe. The staff at Darien Lake should not have let him on to the ride with 1/2 of the safety for the ride not being applicable (the lap belp). In any case, I am very sorry for your loss and feel for the family too. It's a stupid way to go.

On the other hand, the man did not give up and he lived his short time between Iraq and the roller coaster to the fullest. 29 is too young to die, for anyone. If you're a Christian, maybe you can take solace in that perhaps God had a plan. If you're not a Christian, then this man had alot of negative variance (terrible luck) but take solace in that he didn't fade. He left doing something he loved to do (according to his sister).

Once again, sorry for your loss.
----- You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
Face
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Face
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July 10th, 2011 at 1:55:58 PM permalink
Thanks to all for your words. They and this outlet have really helped.

boymimbo, your post in particular kind of broke through, stopped the spin cycle of my brain. Many opinions are flying on Darien's responsibility and whether he should have been allowed to ride. A part of me was glad he was. A part of me finds solace that he was allowed to "be normal", the tragedy notwithstanding. I've always said if given the option of living a safe, boring life until I waste away of old age, or going balls to the wall doing something I love and dieing in a blaze of glory, I'd pick the latter everytime. All of us, James included, were much the same. He was in a good place when he went. Top of the world. That thought helps.

It's just... man, the series of events, it's just so hard to wrap one's mind around. Guy joins Army to serve his country and better his life. Get's caught in the worse warfare of my generation's time and dies. Twice. Makes it back and busts his ass for 3 years just to be normal. To eat on his own, speak on his own, move around on his own. Finally get's to that point, finally get's to enjoy normal, has come through warfare... and gets taken out by an amusement park ride. If someone told me this story I'd probably give a nervous chuckle for lack of a proper way to respond. It's just so absurd. Death is hard, but I know how to handle it. I don't think any human mind knows how to handle this. My heart aches for his family.
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boymimbo
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July 11th, 2011 at 6:36:41 PM permalink
I'm glad I could help, and once again, sorry for your loss. The story was covered on the Toronto radio station this morning as I was driving to the airport... made me think of you... and my daughter's going there next Friday for a birthday party and will ride that story.

Agree however, alot of people lose something significant (wife, legs, arms) and just choose to waste away. Life is short. Live it. Now I'm going to sleep.
----- You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
JohnnyQ
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July 11th, 2011 at 7:42:38 PM permalink
My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends.
There's emptiness behind their eyes There's dust in all their hearts They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
sunrise089
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July 11th, 2011 at 7:51:49 PM permalink
Sad story for sure.

Does anyone have any idea why the guy got on the ride?
Face
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Face
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July 11th, 2011 at 10:57:08 PM permalink
Quote: sunrise089

Sad story for sure.

Does anyone have any idea why the guy got on the ride?



He got on it 'cause he wanted to. After a 3 year trek from hell, he wanted to have fun.

If you mean rather why was he ALLOWED.... Darien, as well as all amusement parks, have "rules", but they're somewhat vague. Really the only hard and fast one I can recall is the standard "you must be this tall to ride". Other warnings to limit issues are usually heart problems, pregnancy, and the vague "certain physical limitations". Was he "limited"? Sure. But where do we draw the line, and who draws it?

Since the events, the mother has expressed that while tragic, she was glad he was able to do something he loved, and was comforted by the fact that he died happy. The family has placed no blame on Darien and has no intent at pursuing legal action. I did hear tell that while that may be their intent, Darien may still and probably will be held liable. Something to do with his dependants (2 young children) and the fact that while there may be partial responsibility (some on the Sgt, some on Darien), Darien may be held responsible in paying his estate damages equal to their percentage of fault. Time will tell.
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sunrise089
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July 11th, 2011 at 11:17:34 PM permalink
Well no, I mean "why did he place himself on the ride?"

I can see why the staff might have not have prevented the accident, and I can see where the park they work for could be found liable, and I can totally see why even if the family doesn't morally blame the park they think it's appropriate to ask the park to take care of the deceased's family. I cannot, and it makes this no less tragic IMHO to say this, see why he got on the ride. "Fun" sure, but there are lots of fun things. I'm curious if the family said he rationally (though incorrectly) thought the ride would be safe for him, or if he wanted to live dangerously, or if he was impaired in some way, or what...
Ayecarumba
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July 14th, 2011 at 10:48:04 AM permalink
An update to the story was published by the AP today: Here.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
sunrise089
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July 14th, 2011 at 10:58:23 AM permalink
Nice story, and again the deceased seems like a cool guy who did his best in some tough situations.

I still can't wrap my head around why he got on the ride of course, but all of my theories contradict the assessment of the man from these stories and accounts, so I'll just have to write it off as unknowable.
Ayecarumba
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July 14th, 2011 at 11:07:18 AM permalink
Quote: sunrise089

Nice story, and again the deceased seems like a cool guy who did his best in some tough situations.

I still can't wrap my head around why he got on the ride of course, but all of my theories contradict the assessment of the man from these stories and accounts, so I'll just have to write it off as unknowable.



I think he was there with his nephew, excited to take him on the "scary" ride. My theory is that he assumed the safety system (lap bar), would still be sufficient, even with his extensive injuries.
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
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