I can't fathom or imagine what you're going through right now. It is every parent's worst nightmare to outlive their children, much more so when a senseless and unthinkable tragedy like this occurs. Any one of us would take the pain away from you if we could. The road that lies ahead will be rough, but know that the path to your EN team is straight and true and ALWAYS there for you. My wife and I send our most heartfelt condolences and grieve with you for the loss of such an exceptional young man.
my heart breaks for you and your family. that is unthinkable. holy god i am so sorry. add me to the list of people who can be called at any time for any reason 210-326-5474
William, I'm so, so sorry to hear this. As a father of a 13yo, I figured I would have some words of wisdom and comfort. After several hours of trying, I can't. I just hope family, friends and time help ease the pain.
William, I am so sorry. At a loss for words. Hoping you know there are 800 of us here at EN for you and we all want to help. We are all saddened. I will be thinking about your family all day tomorrow at IMCdA.
William, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I have a friend who lost her son and whenever she talked about it I knew that it was never something I could truly understand because I haven't been through it. I'm sorry you and you family had to experience it. Take care.
William, so sorry to hear of your loss, as we say back in NZ "Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane" (a totara tree has fallen in the forest of Tane). You and your family are in our thoughts.
William As a father of 2 boys (well, men really) and a grandfather, I keenly feel you and your family's pain. My thoughts and support are with you and your family. Parents should never have to bury their children!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Today would have been my son's 13th birthday, so I can understand and relate to the avalanche of emotions that you are your family are experiencing right now. My son has been gone for 8 years, but every single day the thought of him brings a smile to my face. The road ahead will not be easy for you and your family, but please understand that that there is a road ahead!
Awe Jesus William, I'm so sorry to learn about this. Just thinking on this chokes me and brings a tear to my eye my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
There are no words to comfort you or us in the hearfelt sorrows for your loss, know that I and many others feel your pain and wish you and yours comfort during this time
Devastating news. I am deeply saddened as is the whole EN family. Losing a child is the cruelest loss. My thoughts and prayers go to you, your wife and children, especially Olivia. I'm sure others join me in wanting to envelope you in a virtual hug.
I am at a loss for words.. ...a tragedy of such immense proportion ...as a father of two it is my worst nightmare...I do not what I would do or how I would deal with it...I can only offer you and your family my heartfelt prayers and condolensces....may you find peace and comfort.
Thanks so much to all of you. Team EN is the best.
The kids' swim team has been a huge support too. A whole bunch of girls came over after Friday practice, and their families came over with so much help. Then they took her to a movie Friday night. They had been scheduled to compete in a meet Fri/Sat/Sun. A gang of them picked her and Cynthia today and went to the meet. She swam ok, which is a testament to her ability to get her self together. The meet had a moment of silence and today - and then during what would have been T's best event (a longer race that they would have re-seeded) - they left his lane open and the team stood behind his empty lane. Like a missing-man flight... very touching.
The state requires autopsies on deaths of kids this age, so our funeral will be Tuesday.
I didn't get out on a long ride today as I "should" have. Just too much. Too much to do. Too much emotion. Too much associated with the bike right now. I rode for a while in the basement and felt ok about it.
Thanks to Rich and Patrick for their support, which has come privately. There's no BS when they talk about EN being family.
Much love and light to Olivia, you and your family. Words fail me. I understand the horror as a beloved friend of mine was killed while out riding - by two drunk drivers. Tim's spirit will always shine brightly.
William, I don't know what to say. I've seen the pride you've always had in discussing your 3 kids' athletic exploits, whether in the pool, on the soccer field, or in triathlon. I know sports has been a huge bonding point for your family, and that you have set an amazing example as an Ironman, BQ marathoner and distinguished professor and Dept Head.
I never met your twins, but I did talk to Chris at the IMWI camp shortly after his first HIM that you did together up in Minn. Chris was an amazing young man and I am sure the twins are too. Hearing you ask the team for advice about Chris' age versus HIM/BQ attempts made it clear you were mentoring all their exploits in a positive way. Setting your own big audacious goals, and then meeting and exceeding them, has set a great example for your kids. As the coaches always say, It's only a game, but it sure is more fun when you put your heart and soul into it. It sounds like Timothy did that in everything he tried.
I am glad to see the EN and your swim teams rallying around you. I will say a prayer for your family
Comments
William-
I can't fathom or imagine what you're going through right now. It is every parent's worst nightmare to outlive their children, much more so when a senseless and unthinkable tragedy like this occurs. Any one of us would take the pain away from you if we could. The road that lies ahead will be rough, but know that the path to your EN team is straight and true and ALWAYS there for you. My wife and I send our most heartfelt condolences and grieve with you for the loss of such an exceptional young man.
add me to the list of people who can be called at any time for any reason
210-326-5474
William, I am so sorry to hear this news. I have prayed for you and your family and will continue to do so. Don't know what else to say.
William,
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Gordon
Kia kaha
Kevin
William,
My thoughts and condolences are with you and your family, William. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Marc
As a father of 2 boys (well, men really) and a grandfather, I keenly feel you and your family's pain.
My thoughts and support are with you and your family.
Parents should never have to bury their children!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Today would have been my son's 13th birthday, so I can understand and relate to the avalanche of emotions that you are your family are experiencing right now. My son has been gone for 8 years, but every single day the thought of him brings a smile to my face. The road ahead will not be easy for you and your family, but please understand that that there is a road ahead!
John
I'm not much into prayers, but my deepest thoughts, sympathies and well wishes are with you and your family during this time.
I am at a loss for words.. ...a tragedy of such immense proportion ...as a father of two it is my worst nightmare...I do not what I would do or how I would deal with it...I can only offer you and your family my heartfelt prayers and condolensces....may you find peace and comfort.
The kids' swim team has been a huge support too. A whole bunch of girls came over after Friday practice, and their families came over with so much help. Then they took her to a movie Friday night. They had been scheduled to compete in a meet Fri/Sat/Sun. A gang of them picked her and Cynthia today and went to the meet. She swam ok, which is a testament to her ability to get her self together. The meet had a moment of silence and today - and then during what would have been T's best event (a longer race that they would have re-seeded) - they left his lane open and the team stood behind his empty lane. Like a missing-man flight... very touching.
The state requires autopsies on deaths of kids this age, so our funeral will be Tuesday.
I didn't get out on a long ride today as I "should" have. Just too much. Too much to do. Too much emotion. Too much associated with the bike right now. I rode for a while in the basement and felt ok about it.
Thanks to Rich and Patrick for their support, which has come privately. There's no BS when they talk about EN being family.
Much love and light to Olivia, you and your family. Words fail me. I understand the horror as a beloved friend of mine was killed while out riding - by two drunk drivers. Tim's spirit will always shine brightly.
I never met your twins, but I did talk to Chris at the IMWI camp shortly after his first HIM that you did together up in Minn. Chris was an amazing young man and I am sure the twins are too. Hearing you ask the team for advice about Chris' age versus HIM/BQ attempts made it clear you were mentoring all their exploits in a positive way. Setting your own big audacious goals, and then meeting and exceeding them, has set a great example for your kids. As the coaches always say, It's only a game, but it sure is more fun when you put your heart and soul into it. It sounds like Timothy did that in everything he tried.
I am glad to see the EN and your swim teams rallying around you. I will say a prayer for your family