Preventable Death

When I was in college, it was a common thing among a few guys to climb to the top of the local train bridge. Some would just hang out up there, others would drink, and the really gutsy guys would jump off the bridge into the Ohio River. I know several that have done this. Is it stupid? Of course. Especially considering how grossly polluted the Ohio River is! (along with the other obvious risk factors...Impact on water, height)

I can't say that I never went to the train bridge. I have gone to the bottom of the train bridge. I have never jumped, though. I was stupid enough going on the bridge (illegally) in the first place. The people I knew that did the jump have all been lucky. They have all survived and been fine. Maybe they lost some IQ points, but other than that, physically fine.

The same does not hold true, unfortunately, for a recent man. Only 24 years old, Matthew Covey and a friend decided to go to the top of the train bridge and make the long plunge into the river. Yes, they had been drinking heavily. The amount, I do not know. But even one drink is enough when you're on that train bridge. His friend made the jump and lived; Matthew did not. Matthew passed away.

I feel for Matthew's family. I can't imagine his parents' grief. I know they are surrounded by prayer.

While I feel for them, I feel badly for them because this was such a preventable death! It wasn't a suicide jump. It wasn't something related to a fraternity or anything along those lines. It could have been completely avoided. I always got irritated hearing about the guys that jumped the bridge. It is senseless. And now it's cost such a young man his life. I believe he only graduated one year ago, too. Too young to die in such an accidental, preventable way. It makes me want to shriek.

My heart goes out to Matthew's family. And I pray for Matthew's soul.