Calvin19 0 #1 February 7, 2010 I watched my best friend, my hero, die today. he was a jumper, a pilot, a flyer. I learned how to climb, nay, we taught ourselves how to climb together. we learned to jump, to fly, to dream together. not shy of 20 years. my best friend. we were 13, we saw a BASE jump on tv. we both said we would do that someday. five years later there we were. at 15 we started rope jumping. I don't know what to do now. he was the other half of the team. he had my back. we were 19 and 20, we bought an airplane together. we had plans to buy another one soon. now what. we started paragliding together five years ago. I was an idiot and he held me while seizing on the side of a mountain, telling the medics to hurry. cause I was dying. that was four years ago, today. not 20meters from where he watched over me, I looked up to see him fall from the sky. his single engine rocketship in pieces, destroyed by negligent muppets in a cirrus minivan that blindsided the best pilot I knew. never saw it coming. I ran down that mountain, knowing it was him, knowing what i did not know. there were no one else towing today. he texted me the reminder of my 4 year coma anniversary we had plans to do our usual paraglider/speed flight when he gets off early. but that was before he took off. dont know what to do now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LongWayToFall 0 #2 February 7, 2010 I'm very sorry man, hang in there. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Squeak 17 #3 February 7, 2010 Really sorry to hear that Calvin You are not now, nor will you ever be, good enough to not die in this sport (Sparky) My Life ROCKS! How's yours doing? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
basehoundsam 0 #4 February 7, 2010 The Best burn Brightest, but not always longest. Alex was one of the good ones. I remember meeting you two standing on the Royal Gorge, with the biggest shit eating grins on your faces . Attached to those grins was a couple hundred feet of rope. After Troy asked me to climb under the bridge to inspect your rig........I climbed back over that railing impressed with Alex's and your rig. When I asked how long you guys had been parachuting........and Alex blurted out..... "That comes next!!".....I knew you two were............. the right kinda people.............. our kinda people....... My deepest condolences..............I hope that in your time of sorrow that you know how many friends close by you have in the neighborhood. Don't hesitate to call....... Jay Epstein Ramirez www.adrenalineexploits.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BirdWoman 0 #5 February 7, 2010 Ya know Hecker, when Dave called me last night to let me know my heart fell to the floor for you. Most of us that you remember from your early days of jumping have been through this before and know where you stand right now. Alex was truly one of the better ones, and I would say that it gets easier but we all know that's a lie. Hang in there...I'm still here for you if you need it. "I don't know where it is that I'm going, but wherever it is there I'll be!" --quoted by me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tdog 0 #6 February 7, 2010 QuoteI watched my best friend, my hero, die today. When I got a new computer and needed to clear out the piles and piles of movies that I downloaded - the I kept about 10, of which half were you guy's rope jumping videos... They are special as they show your passion for adventure and life. Secretly, I have admired your team's adventurous spirit and sometimes rebellious quest for the sky and flying for years and always check up on facebook to see what you and Alex have done. In fact, I would say, you are an inspiration. When we went BASE jumping in Switzerland, you figured out a way to fly a wing off the exit points in a way no one else has, and I doubt other people will try. That is why your team's spirit is special. I have cried a few tears since I was told yesterday of the incident... More than I normally do when I hear of someone I know passing on... I know half of them are for you... I knew a part of you died, a big part of you, yesterday... As Jay said, you have friends all over. Just make the call and we will be there... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johndh1 0 #7 February 7, 2010 QuoteI watched my best friend, my hero, die today. Terrible, terrible thing. My heart goes out to you and yours.Roll Tide Roll Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lastchance 0 #8 February 7, 2010 I read that in the news this morn. I am very sorry for your loss. I may be getting old but I got to see all the cool bands. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #9 February 7, 2010 My deepest and sincere condolences on the passing of you friend, your brother. ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnMitchell 16 #10 February 7, 2010 Sorry about your loss. It leaves a big hole in your heart, doesn't it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #11 February 7, 2010 My heart goes out to you. There are really no words. Heal well, think of the good times, and share his story/life with people so that he may live on through you. Peace be with you.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
labrys 0 #12 February 7, 2010 It sure sounds like he left you with many happy memories. Keep those close to your heart and that will help a little.Owned by Remi #? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shropshire 0 #13 February 7, 2010 For those of us that have never felt such sadness, words seem so, well so useless - but please know that they are heart felt none the less. (.)Y(.) Chivalry is not dead; it only sleeps for want of work to do. - Jerome K Jerome Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
VanillaSkyGirl 6 #14 February 7, 2010 QuoteI watched my best friend, my hero, die today. I'm so sorry for your enormous loss. I know firsthand what it's like to lose a best friend of many years to an unexpected accident. My heart goes out to you & his family. May you all eventually find peace. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johndh1 0 #15 February 7, 2010 QuoteSorry about your loss. It leaves a big hole in your heart, doesn't it? We all know it does, and it makes it even worse when it was preventable and due to someone else's carelessness. I could be wrong for pre-judging the events (and may owe someone an apology in the future once it's all hashed out), but I doubt it. I say this going partly on the presumption of trust in Calvin's perspective, and partly based on the fact that as soon as I heard the first report of it I immediately was reminded of so many similar situations I've personally known in the past, and innocent lives were lost due to someone else's arrogance and superiority complex in the air.Roll Tide Roll Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JSBIRD 1 #16 February 7, 2010 Sorry Bro. You seem to have had much more than your share of this type of sorrow lately. Hang in there buddy. 359"Now I've settled down, in a quiet little town, and forgot about everything" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skreamer 1 #17 February 8, 2010 I am sorry for your loss, you guys seemed to pack a lot of living and adventure into a short time and achieved so much. I never met you or your best mate but I know that it hurts to lose such a big important part of your life. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Usetawuz 1 #18 February 8, 2010 Sorry. That's really rough. Hang in there. _________________________________________ The older I get, the better I was! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #19 February 8, 2010 As someone who has lost a great many friends I can understand how you feel, it never gets easy. Just relish the memories you have and go on living life to its fullest, you are living your dreams for both of you now. Someday when you pass on the example you set forth through this and the rest of your days will show people how to live. Be an example to be proud of. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,444 #20 February 8, 2010 I'm so sorry. The fact that he had already packed a whole lot of living into his time doesn't mean that it was time to finish. Wendy P.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
goofyjumper 0 #21 February 8, 2010 just keep on trucking. I lost my best friend/husband 2 years ago. Not one day goes by when I dont think about him. you need to read the book "Don't kiss them goodbye" by Alisson something...... I think it will make u feel better.----------------- I love and Miss you so much Honey! Orfun #3 ~ Darla Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #22 February 8, 2010 I met Alex on a few occasions. I can't say that I knew him, but he impressed me as a smart and friendly young man. I am sorry for your loss Matt. Best wishes to you and the rest of Alex's friends and family. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Calvin19 0 #23 February 9, 2010 new link for Alex and my Rope Jumping film http://vimeo.com/9330103 -SPACE- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyrider 0 #24 February 9, 2010 Was this the Tow plane pilot on the today show today? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtnesbitt 0 #25 February 9, 2010 Quotenew link for Alex and my Rope Jumping film http://vimeo.com/9330103 To those who haven't seen it already I strongly recommend this film. It is a great watch and show's the work and adventure of some young, intelligent, innovative, and dedicated friends doing absolutely amazing feats. My description does it no justice however, you just need to watch it."If this post needs to be moderated I would prefer it to be completly removed and not edited and butchered into a disney movie" - DorkZone Hero Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
