Comments on: Visit To The Crash Site

By: KarlS

KarlS — Sat, 28 Dec 2013 17:44:58 +0000

Thank you, John, for these updates about your brother and his family. I was close them as well, David having taught me technical trimix diving. I had been his most recent trimix graduate. I am glad the store has reopened, and I plan to stop by and visit it. I have memorialized the family with annual visits to the yacht harbor beach where we used to train as instructors together. David and DeDe were both great instructors. I think of them often, anytime I am in Santa Cruz.

By: Craig Prouse

Craig Prouse — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 19:48:26 +0000

The NTSB published a Factual report on 10/28/2013. The factual report contains the bulk of the public investigative detail upon which they will base their finding of probable cause. They are also publishing an estimated release date of 12/6/2013 for said findings. I have no comment on the report itself, I just wanted to share that I've been waiting a long time to read it, and now you can too, if you're inclined. Peace.

By: Kristin Aiello

Kristin Aiello — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 07:06:35 +0000

I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know about this until my mother and I saw the bench at Santa Cruz. We saw all the flowers that were left there, and noticed it was the one year anniversary, all though that word doesn’t sound right when speaking of someone’s death. We felt so horrible for the loss of such a family. Although we didn’t know them, it seems from the photo’s and the things we have read that they seemed like a great family.

I hope time has helped to heal some of your wounds. I have seen so many people that I care about die, and I know the pain doesn’t completely disappear but things get better and you start to remember the good times. The memories of all the good times and love you shared will help somewhat, I hope it does at least. Again, I know it’s been a year but I am really sorry for your loss and I hope time has helped you to heal.

By: John Houghton Sr

John Houghton Sr — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 06:11:27 +0000

I am so sorry for your lose it gives me a heavy heart.I’m from maine and we are a big family we must be related some how.I’m so sorry God bless them and your family also.

By: Dawn DeWitt

Dawn DeWitt — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 21:58:27 +0000

Thanks so much for the information. I am glad to hear that they did not suffer, it makes me feel more at peace. David, DeDe, Luke and Ryan were wonderful souls who left behind a legacy of humanity and love. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family.

By: Gabriela Mendez

Gabriela Mendez — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 04:58:47 +0000

Dear John,
I want to thank you so much for this piece. I have checked this site daily since the tragedy and, like others, have been haunted by thoughts of what their last moments may have been like. I am so relieved to know that they went quickly and little time to fear. I imagine it must have been awfully difficult to go to the site and do this probing.
I was Luke’s English teacher in 3rd grade, and while I did not have a chance to get to know him and the family in depth (I only saw him an hour a day), I will never forget his extreme enthusiasm for science and reading, as well as DeDe’s always cheerful and helpful demeanor. I can still see and hear Luke raising his hand and saying, “Excuse me…” I always marveled at the wonderful manners!
Thank you, again, for sharing your blog with us. I am so sorry for your loss.

By: Dona Barbera

Dona Barbera — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:52:31 +0000

Dearest John,
thank you so much for this report, it has set a lot of troubled minds at ease. I don’t know where you are finding the strength to carry on at the pace you are, I believe God has blessed you. You have so many of Davids traits that it is uncanny! Very twin like! Very dedicated and powerful. I was so happy to meet you at the memorial. Do take care and carry on for that wonderful little young family of yours. Dona

By: Sarah (Getty) Mozelle

Sarah (Getty) Mozelle — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:14:28 +0000

john,
this objective, scientific info is super helpful and i really appreciate the time/effort you took to share it. it’s brought me more peace. thank you.

i imagine knowing that they didn’t suffer makes this all a teensy bit less horrific for you and yours, which reduces my angst about it all. part of my grief is the deep sadness i feel for everyone who is navigating this loss – family, close friends, their daily community, and all those kids – and the parents who are trying to help their kids understand something so huge.

the minister may have had ideas about “why” this happened, but they didn’t resonate for me. i find focusing on the “how” (which you did above) and “what” – as in “what can i do in this moment to live with a little more zest and keep their spirit alive?” to be more helpful.

thanks for sharing your process. i suspect that you are doing as much as your brother could have/would have done for you, it just looks different because you are special in your own beautiful way. i feel david’s pride in you.
sarah

By: Therese

Therese — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:13:50 +0000

Thank you, John. I have been re-living their last few minutes over and over, praying that they did not suffer, too much, physically or emotionally. As a mother and a friend, it is so very hard to wrap my mind around sudden, violent death. We spend every waking moment trying to keep our loved ones safe and healthy.
Your expertise and your analysis is very reassuring, and yes, I have twelve year olds with questions.
I have also told my sons some information in keeping with my own spiritual beliefs and the findings of a doctor that studied hundreds of people with near-death experiences. Everyone of the people that he interviewed, regardless of how they almost died, experienced peace and a sense of love and fellowship so strong it was hard for them to want to return to their bodies. I am trying to focus on this potential experience for Luke, Ryan, Dede and David. It is a comforting thought.
When I went to the crash site on July 10th I was amazed that no trees were hurt. I am still pondering this.

By: Michele Lamelin

Michele Lamelin — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 20:00:50 +0000

John,
I, too, echo Shannon’s appreciation for your explanations about the crash. Those same words from that article have also haunted me, as I’m sure they have for so many. It’s comforting to know that it must have happened so fast that they really didn’t have an opportunity to fully process what was happening, and that they didn’t suffer. Thinking of your brother and his beautiful family suffering has been more than I can bear.

There is more that I would like to express to you and the others here sharing their grief, but it’s so hard to put the words together in a way that make sense. I’m truly grateful for your continued posts. Thank you for allowing us to share our grief with you, and for being so open with us.

With warmth and comfort,
Michele Lamelin