Yesterday we received some news that one of Lisa's swimteam mates from her college had died. He had just graduated in May and was the team capt. last year, a great guy and a wonderful swimmer.  This is truly a tradgedy but the worst part is that it was alcohol related from overdrinking. His heart went into cardiac arrest while he was partying. Even the brightest of our youth continue to not take drinking seriously. Somehow we need to get through to our youth the dangers of this. Phil will be missed. I pray for his family as they cope with this tradgedy. If you have adolescent kids, talk with them. This is such a serious national problem.

Charlotte

Our deepest condolences to Lisa, you Charlotte, and all his family and friends.

What a shame at such a young age. :'(

  Barry&Angie

I'm very sorry for your loss, Charlotte and Lisa. Please accept my condolences.

The best thing we can do, I believe, to prevent binge drinking is to model proper use of alcohol for our children. Beer, wine, and liquor should be consumed in moderation, and our kids should be able to observe us consuming in moderation as well as experience moderate consumption as they approach adulthood. Lecturing doesn't work.

Bill

:'(  Please pass along my condolences to the family and teammates.  There are not answers to the "whys" of this.  Unfortunately our kids seem to think alterred reality is more fun than reality.

Jerry

Sorry to have read about such a tragic end to such a young life.

Such a senseless and tragic end to a young life.

Condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him.  

Give Lisa a hug for us.

Jackie

A sad thing Charlotte and especially so young.  :(

On what Brew says: Maybe what my parents did for me is relevant. As a kid, I was allowed very small samples of whiskey, wine, or beer during family parties. It was never a mystery to me because of that.  That's not to say that I haven't gone off the deep end a few times as an adult but it never became a hobby.

My condolences, Charlotte.

Charlie

Very sad to hear this, Charlotte.  I'm sorry for your loss.

I don't have anything helpful to add to what others have said regarding binge drinking by young folks--responsible behavior develops over time with experience, and I know of no shortcuts that will hasten responsibility.  

I only hope that others will be more cautious in the wake of this tragic end to a young life.

All the best,

George

These things are so complex, it's hard to say where the influence comes from.....observing bad behavior or good.

I am so distressed to hear of this young life ending so soon.

Prayers for all who loved him.

Thank you for your prayers and support. I have thought about this all day as the news passed through the circle of the swim team and the school. Will it stop the kids from drinkig this year? Probably not. Statsitics are high for college binge drinking. The week before Lisa graduated, her graduation was shadowed with 4 seniors struggling in ICU from a drunk driving accident. They all made it but none got to walk for graduation and 2 spent the summer in the hospital. This is the same school and the college made a big deal about it, trying to educate the students.

Life is too precious to take it for granted.....Thanks again for the support and allowing me to rant a bit. My emotions have gone from deep sadness to madness.

Charlotte