Two People Died on Friday

[Racerbvd]

Not a joke, really happened,
During the the Day, while instructing at an track event, we were sitting on the grid, waiting to go out when we were flagged off, turned out, someone drove off track, didn't crash, no damage, just drove straight off in a safe location. signals for EMTs.

Seems the driver had either a heart attack or diabetic attack, was not responsive when the EMTs got there.

They rushed him to the hospital, where he later died

The next death occurred around 7PM, a friend who honorable served 20 of his 40 years in the US Military, 4 tours in Afghanistan, 3 in Iraq, where he was wounded, and some sort of chemical weapon used on him. Stew was a Wounded Warrior, and a spokesman for Canines for Warriors (a group that trains & provides service dogs to Veterans). Last month, he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer, given maybe 2 Months to live (made it a bit more than half that) when he passed.

I saw Stew last Sat at an party thrown for him, as he loved music, he had whittled away and was suffering, he couldn't even talk anymore, but at least he enjoyed himself for a short time.

So in one case, a Man passed, quietly while doing something he loved, his last waking moments , at the track. For me, who also has a heart condition that is keeping the docs confused, every time we went into turn 3 was a reminder of just how uncertain our time here really is.

In the other case, a Man was given a time frame in which he would die, a very short one, and he suffered most of the little time he had left,

[NY65912]

Sorry to hear this, sorry about the loss of your friend. Condolences to all.

[GH85Carrera]

Two people you knew died on the same day. That is a bad deal for you. I am sorry for your loss. Several thousand people die every single day. Most of the time that is just a statistic. It is hard when it is someone you know or even if you don't but are right there when it happens.

[craigster59]

Sorry for your losses Byron. Stew is in no more pain now. When I took a class at Jim Hall Kart Racing in Oxnard, a guy in our class passed out in front of me in the classroom and died on the first day. I don't know if it's the excitement of the track or what, just seemed to be a very quick way to go.

Today I learned a 21 y.o. friend who was involved in a collision in Florida is being transferred to an extended care facility. He was T-boned by a 75 y.o. woman who ran a stop sign. He's been in a coma for weeks and has a 10% chance of survival. They'll take him off of life support in 3 months if there is no sign of improvement. Life is extremely fragile and we need to live each day to it's fullest.
Drivers Hospitalized After Valrico Stop-Sign Crash - Brandon, FL Patch

[ZOA NOM]

Tough to hear about the veteran suffering like that, but the driver at the track pulled off what has to be one of the very best ways to go out. God bless him for being able to pull off the track safely.

[pwd72s]

Just remember...every name in the obits translates to family & friends who are grieving... Byron, my sympathies.

[Racerbvd]

Originally Posted by ZOA NOM

Tough to hear about the veteran suffering like that, but the driver at the track pulled off what has to be one of the very best ways to go out. God bless him for being able to pull off the track safely.

Yep, I feel the same way, a few people said that it was a shame, but hell, go out doing what you love, with no damage to the car or anyone, that is the best way to go.

[Jim Bremner]

damn.
the cost of our Freedom is sad. some die on the battlefield, some when they come home.

Thank you STEW!

[Baz]

R.I.P. and thank you for your service, Stew.

[crustychief]

Byron, I am sorry for the loss of your friends.
Regards,
Sandy

[72doug2,2S]

Sorry to hear about your loss. I believe death is not the end, but something we must pass through to a better place. Still, it is a bitter pill for those left behind.

Prayers sent out.

[VINMAN]

Byron, so sorry for the loss of your friends. May they RIP

Two in a day thats a tough one.

[rcecale]

Byron,

The way I've seen you pour your love out for these and so many others, I'm honored to have you as a friend!

Semper fi, brother!

Randy

[Racerbvd]

Thanks everyone, we put Sgt. Stew to rest today

[Baz]

Somber video.

I'm proud to call you my friend as well, Byron.

Thank you,
Baz

[jsveb]

Absolutely heartbreaking video.

I attended the funeral of a colleage whom was killed here in the US during training a while back.

The call-out of names and him not responding, rifle firing and the horn, spine chilling.

Families left behind: honor their memory, carpe diem.