beau31duke 0 #26 May 30, 2002 http://www.siu.edu/departments/rso/skyd/beforemolly.jpgTony is the tall guy on the left. I met Tony last fall. I didn't get to make very many jumps with him, but i enjoyed those that i did. Tony made skydiving more enjoyable. I'm always afraid i'm going to mess up a dive. Some people take that very seriously. Tony was more laid back and that made me enjoy being around him. He didn't care if the dive didn't go as planed. If somebody messed up, then it was no big deal.The last jump i made with Tony was a demo for the Boy Scouts. They were getting there aviation badgets. Tony was so good with those kids, answering questions, letting the touch his canopy. His personality was ideal for that of what I think a demo jumper should have.When i found out what had happend, i found it hard to beleive. He was such a great guy. He just graduated from college. All i ever heard was good things about him and the stories from their trips to other dz's. Tony was truely one of those individuals that made others lifes better. I never saw him angry or even haveing a bad day. I have no doubt in my mind that he would have been a great instructor and mentor.Tony was an awesome guy. I will miss you. Beau LambertD-24804SEMO Skydiving Club Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pop 0 #27 May 30, 2002 Blue Skies, brother...----------"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled, was convincing the world he doesn't exist!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgaillar 0 #28 May 30, 2002 I think he was referring to Schmike a couple of weeks ago.http://www.skydiveorange.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zilla 0 #29 May 30, 2002 Just to clear up any confusion about an injury at Orange, VA this past weekend (femur). There was no femur injury at Orange this past weekend. Two weeks ago we DID have a jumper break his fibula after a hard landing but that's it.My condolences and prayers go out to all those families and friends that are hurting over the recent injuries and fatalties. Blue Skies to allCourtney Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #30 May 30, 2002 Thanks for this background and the pic. It certainly brings life to a stranger.My prayers and condolences to Tony's loved ones. Blue skies Tony.If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmcd308 0 #31 May 30, 2002 My condolences to all who knew him.Lots of bad luck being heaped on lots of skydivers lately - everyone please stay aware and stay safe.BMcD... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ostrich 0 #32 May 30, 2002 There were no injuries in Orange, VA this past weekend. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kevin922 0 #33 May 30, 2002 Okay I stand corrected, and apologize, i was misinformed by another jumper as to what was going on at orange . At anyrate this has definately not been a good week for skydivers.. all of those injured are in my thoughts. Blue Skies.(Hey congrats on post #1 ostrich.) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ducky 0 #34 May 30, 2002 I want to first apologize about being the first to mention the accident at ASC in the "Weekend Numbers" thread, but not giving details. I was in some ways hoping there would be someone else who would provide the info and also unsure that the proper people had been notified.I (fortunately in some ways) did not see the incident as I was inside the building, but was on scene moments after. I did not realize who it was for a few minutes as I did not want to add to the crowd. I can assure all that Tony received excellent care within seconds thanks to several giving medical professionals who were present and treated his injuries until the ambulance arrived and still longer until a LifeFlight arrived. I refuse to speculate about the accident, but I will say there were definately a series of factors the contributed to the injuries. Initial examination revealed a badly broken Femur and possibly hip along with massive head injuries.I met Tony and his friends on a ride to altitude earlier in the day, and we talked about how they decided to come to ASC and other things. Later in the day Tony and I talked about canopys and canopy sizing specifically. We talked of my search for gear and looking at 150 of some make and how he jumped a 150, but at a much higher loading than myself. Our conversation ended as his buddys were landing and he wanted to watch one of them perhaps to offer tips or advice. The incident hit close to me, though I hardly new the guy the thought of jumping with him and his buddies later in the day or partying that night were there. Bonfire talk was somber as we all hoped for the best. When word came later in the evening and his friends returned to the DZ I had lots of questions in my head about it all. Many were answered as we all agreed that no one who loved this sport would like it much if we didn't jump because of an accident they had. I was reassured the next day when everyone took to the skies. There is now an SIU club sticker in the Otter across from the door and I gave it a tap as I headed for the exit on my jumps Sunday.My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Tony a guy who is certainly above us all on our jumps these days.kwakStupidity is a crime. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
redrocka528 0 #35 May 31, 2002 yeah, he's in alot of them but look at dawgjump2 (on the right) or beforemolly (on the left). just look for the tallest guy in the pic and you've got him, can't miss that smile either. Tony, I'll miss you bro.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bananna 0 #36 May 31, 2002 On behalf of the Purdue Sport Parachute Club, we send our condolences to all those who loved Tony & the SIU club. Blue skies,Anna Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
