Posted Condolences / Memories

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The opinions expressed on this page are those of the people making submissions, not the University of Michigan or its affiliates.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 04:21 PM by M Seely
On behalf of the Pacific Northwest Transplant Bank and the transplant programs at Oregon Health & Science University, I extend our deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this tragedy. May solace and comfort arise for everyone during this difficult and painful time.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 04:13 PM by Lynne Gallison
Eternal Embracing: In Memoriam of Our Own

Heroes no less, they captured heights 'n' heavens unseen, skyriders of hope for us

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 04:12 PM by MJ O'Kelley
This is one of the most horrific things that can happen to a community of people who care for others everyday. This will cause us to stumble but we will not fall in our mission to give aid and comfort to our patients. We will continue to live in the way these people who gave their all to help others have shown us. May God Bless and comfort those closest to these wonderful, devoted, care givers.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 04:08 PM by LifePoint - Organ Donor Services for South Carolina
Our condolences to the families and colleagues of these fallen heroes. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are extended to their families as well as to those who loved and worked with these dedicated individuals.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 04:06 PM by Rev. Joel F. Beam Chaplain UMHS (Retired)
I join the many who have expressed their condolences and shared their memories of the Survival Flight victims. I worked with Richard Chenault on several occasions when I was a Chaplain on the Pastoral Care Staff. He was a genuinely gifted individual who touched the lives of all he encountered including mine. I count myself richer for having known him. My thoughts and prayers go to his family as well as to the families of the others who perished in that crash.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 04:03 PM by K Canavan RN
My deepest sympathy to all families of those involved in this tragedy. I had the great pleasure of working with Dr. David Ashburn at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in the operating room. While doing his CT rotation, he gave us great laughs and moments we still talk about to this day. Those of us at the Medical Center that knew David have all been touched by his laughter. Our prayers are with you all.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:57 PM by Jessica Hungerford 6D
I know that Richard Chenault will be remembered fondly by all the girls (many of them are now grown with careers and families) who ran track and cross country at FGRHS. Although, I never had the guts to run for Richard, he remembered me from my student days at FGRHS and when I became a nurse at U of M. My sister and her friends ran track for Richard from 2001-2005 and tell me that there were 3 men in their lives: God, their father, and their coach (Richard). Richard, none of those girls ever forgot your pre-prom behavior talk! My heart and prayers go out to Mitzi and all of Richard's family and friends as well all those who lost loved ones in the accident.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:52 PM by Peter Ehrlich
Our thoughts from my family are with yours.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:51 PM by Cathy R. Smith
I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families, co-workers, and friends of those who perished on Monday. It will take time to heal from this trauma but with God - All things are possible. I have to believe something good will come from this. If nothing else, our community will be enlightened on the serious need for organ donors. Our team taught us to consider others more than ourselves and they departed this earth fulfilling their life mission. I'm grateful for their life's work.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:48 PM by Frank Chase, MD
I had the great privilege and blessing of training in general surgery with Dr. David Ashburn at Wake Forest. He was a unique individual whose memory I cherish. His commitment to cardiac surgery was unsurpassed. The day he showed up for internship (before he had tied his first knot) he was well on his way to mastering the complex physiology of pediatric heart surgery as well as its rich history. He also possessed the rare trait of utter commitment to surgery training without abandoning the higher priorities of God and family.

It seemed to me that David was destined to pioneer significant advances in the field of pediatric heart surgery. I fully expected that some day I would read about David in the NY Times given his talents and dedication. How tragic to see his name in the news under these circumstances.

Candace, David's children, and his parents should be proud of his many accomplishments not the least of which is the enrichment that many of us received through knowing him. I thank God for such a man. May all of us better emulate David as he sought to emulate the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:45 PM by Pam Cittan
We remember you as rays of sunshine that serve to bring light and warmth to our world. May you all rest in peace.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:43 PM by Nancy Ventimiglia
I met Mr. Richard Chenault when he did a presentation at my U of M new employee orientation. He was one of the speakers on that day. I even had the honor to speak with him after his presentation. One could feel that he was a very nice and pleasant individual. I was shocked, when I saw his picture in the newspaper, and that he was involved in this tragic accident. My condolences and may God bless his family.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:36 PM by Matthew Murray
Survival Flight Staff,

I cannot begin to express my sadness about the loss of your crew members. Although I have only been with the University since January, I have come to know and respect the incredible job that your entire team does. More people than just the University and the families and friends have experienced a loss in the past days. I know that there are hundreds of patients who are saddened by the loss of the people who played such a large role in saving their lives.

It has been an honor serving alongside your staff and I look forward to serving with you for a long time to come.

Sincerely,

Ofc. Matthew Murray #550, University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, Hospital Security.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:35 PM by Allison Campbell Jensen
On behalf of the University of Minnesota Medical School, Dean Deborah Powell extends heartfelt condolences to family members, colleagues, and friends who have suffered such an enormous loss.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:30 PM by peter brindley
My sincerest, sincerest, condolences to all friends, families and even co-workers of those involved. Medicine truly is a family and we're grieving the loss of our own.

On a personal note, I knew Dr Martin Spoor well (and his wife, Susan, and three children). We trained together at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton and had the chance to share quite a few laughs and a few beers over those years. He was a magnificent doctor and a great father and husband: they really don't make'em like that anymore.

While my words mean nothing in the grand scheme of things, that doesn't make them any less heartfelt. My thoughts are definitely with all of those grieving.

Regards,

Peter Brindley MD, Edmonton, Canada

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:29 PM by Arnot Medical Center Heart Team
Our heartfelt condolences from the heart team at the Arnot Medical Center. God Bless to the families and friends.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:28 PM by Elaine Lewis
I know Richard from working with him in the transplant center, he always had a smile on his face, a very friendly person. I know he will be greatly missed, but I believe he is now in a far better place that is with the Lord, I pray that the Lord will comfort his family during this difficult time and bless them with the fun and loving memories of their loved one.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:26 PM by A fellow colleague
We have suffered such a tremendous shock and loss. The men on this mission are truly angels, and would want nothing less than for us to continue their work through touching the lives of our patients and their families through our work on a daily basis. Let's move forward, with their memories forever vivid in our hearts, and make them proud.

We'll take it from here, fellow colleagues...

May God bless you...

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:19 PM by Brian Sabb
Although I work at the U of M, I had not the opportunity to meet these great men. Heroes who spent countless hours helping others; saving lives. My greatest admiration and my prayers go to you and your families.

"It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better rest that I go to than I have ever known."

-Dickens

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:19 PM by Harold Neu
My husband and I were so saddened to hear of the loss of your loved ones and co-workers. My husband is an organ donor recipient and we know the importance of the jobs they were doing. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Harold & Arline Neu

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:03 PM by Sue Lathrom RN

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the crew. It is a great loss to our State as well as the Nation.

Sue Lathrom, Bay Regional Medical Center

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:03 PM

I work on the orthopedic team at UH-OR and one of our OR's share a common workroom with the transplant service. So often I would see Richard and he always said Hello and had something nice to say whether he knew you or not. I remember him telling the story once that his job was very stressful and it took time away from his family. He said he thought of leaving his job but it was more than a job to him and his dedication to helping others kept him going. I truly believe he loved his job and wouldn't change a thing. I can see by all the postings and hearing people talk about him in the hallways that he was loved by all. He was taken from us all too soon but I believe he died with no regrets. He will be greatly missed as will all the heroes who died serving with him. My thoughts are with the families and friends of all of those who died on Monday serving others.

Hail to our fallen heroes.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 03:01 PM

I am a tissue recovery coordinator for another organ/tissue transplant organization and I wish to offer my condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the organ team. Although I never met any of the team, they will be missed by me and the rest of the organ recovery family. God bless.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 02:57 PM by Tara
My prayers go out to their families and friends...may god watch over them in this time of need...

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 02:57 PM by Paul Friedrich
The world has lost some very special individuals. My experience with Dr. Spoor during my wife's heart transplant only reinforces the loss -- someone from the medical field who was an example of someone truly dedicated to the physical and emotional well being of their patients. It is the little things (smiles, an encouraging word, an explanation of complex process) that he took the time to do. These are the the things that the patients and their families noticed and appreciated. Thank You

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 02:38 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims' families. They have touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed. May the families be given peace and strength through God's grace during this difficult time.

Cowboy Dave, :) we will miss you. God Bless.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 02:37 PM by Jackie Acree
I will always remember the six people that so bravely and unselfishly gave so much of themselves to ease the pain of perfect strangers. It takes a very special person to do what they did. My daughter and the rest of her co-workers at PMR at SJMH Reichert building are honoring them on Friday June 8 by wearing blue and maize. Thanks to all of you for the jobs you do.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 02:26 PM by DIANA AND WAYNE SIMONS
OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE TEAM MEMBERS OF U OF M WHO WERE GOING TO SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE, BUT THEY NEVER GOT THAT CHANCE.GOD IS IN COMPLETE CONTROL.AND WE MUST LEARN NOT TO LEAN ONTO OUR OWN UNDERSTANDINGS...BUT TRUST IN GOD ALMIGHTY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER..AGAIN WE ARE SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR GREAT LOSS OF THESE WONDERFUL MEN.DRS. AND PILOTS...ONE OF THE PILOTS WAS MY BROTHER IN LAWS BOSS'S DAD...SO GOD BLESS THEIR LIVING SOULS..

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 02:18 PM by Dr.Abdalla .A.Elsebaey
I share the university's, families of my colleagues and families of the patients sadness and patience for those great persons who spent their life to save other lives. God bless them. Thanks.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 02:16 PM by Donna Hammel, Michigan Medicaid
Our staff would like to convey our condolences to you and the U-M staff and families for the tragedy that has unfortunately occurred and wanted you to know, our thoughts and prayers are with the entire U-M family.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 02:14 PM by sohail ahmed
I`m deeply sorry to hear such tragic news for the people who were trying their best to save hundreds of people. May God rest all of them in peace.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 02:06 PM by Michael Bowdish
I am a fellow CT resident at NY Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center. Our hearts and prayers go out to the University of Michigan transplant team. May God be with them and their families. We will continue in our mission to give people a second chance in life.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:59 PM by Yves Langlois MD
Dr Felix Ma, Dr Jean Francois Morin and myself would like to express our most sincere condolences to all the friends, colleagues and mostly family members of those who lost their lives so tragically while on duty. My own family feels very deeply for that tragedy.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:44 PM by Deb Blissick, RN TICU
I worked with both David and Martin in TICU. I worked more with David and I will always remember when we would have to call him in for a patient emergency. He would show up with his camouflage hat and drinking his diet mountain dew. He would be calm and take control of the situation. Both David and Martin were very kind and very knowledgeable men. I feel honored to have known both of them. My thoughts and prayers are with them and the others on the plane, and are with their families. May God Bless them!

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:42 PM by Sharon Klenner, RN
My sincere condolences to the families, co-workers and patients of the physicians, perfusionists and pilots that lost their lives along our lakeshore. I share your profound sadness and disbelief at losing such talented people in your program and will keep everyone in my prayers.

Sharon Klenner, RN, Abdominal Transplant Coordinator, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:41 PM by Melissa Brennan

My prayers are with you and your families. My mother had a lung transplant several years ago. It is the staff and people at U-M that helped her survive 5 extra years with her family. I am thankful for your generous gift of life to my family. Your staff touched many lives with the hard work and dedication with transplants and will be truly missed.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:40 PM

As a former U of M nurse and one who worked with transplant/awaiting transplants patients, I send my deepest condolences to the families of those that were affected by this horrible tragedy.

May they rest in peace knowing the love that is felt for them and the wonderful work they had done for so many.

Prayers are with you all.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:40 PM by Toni Mazanec
To Staff, Family & Friends,

My prayers are with all of you during this time of horrific loss. You should be proud of the unselfish & heroic lives your colleagues and loved ones led. The gift of life that they brought to so many other people is insurmountable.

I worked at the Northwestern Medical Faculty Foundation, Inc. in Chicago for many years and often found myself in complete awe of their transplant program and the amazing physicians & staff involved.

In addition, I have 2 family members that were long-term diabetic patients and received pancreas and kidney transplants that improved the quality of their lives and gave our family many more years to value their existence.

Your loved ones will remain part of a very elite group of people and will continue to give back to society in ways nobody will ever truly know.

God Bless All of You.

Toni Mazanec, Aurora, Illinois

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:40 PM by Laura
May the families and friends of the six victims of this tragedy find comfort in knowing that their loved ones are the true heroes in life. Thank you Survival Flight Team for dedicating your lives to saving others. What a legacy...

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:39 PM by Rohinton J. Morris, MD

For heart transplant surgeons and their staff, there is always the thought that the world safely sleeps while they work to save a life in the midst of night, but it is an endeavor worth every sacrifice. And in the selfless work that is carried on with bringing a donor organ back, there is the eventual comfort of knowing the glorious joy of the recipient and his family. All of our staff at the University of Pennsylvania, those who are intimately involved with donor organ recovery, and those that take care of the patients that benefit, understand the immense sacrifice of your staff. We send our highest regards and condolences to their families.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:35 PM by LuAnn Sarnes
I don't know any of these people who lost their lives, but my daughter has worked at U of M in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit for almost 23 years. She knew these medical men and is grieving along with all the staff. My deepest condolences to the families of these men who perished. U of M, keep doing the wonderful work you do to help our sick/injured fellow human beings. Prayers and God Bless!

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:29 PM by Cassandra Smith-Fields
On behalf of the Nebraska Medical Center Transplantation Program I wish to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences. Various members of your remarkable team were well known and respected by our team. Your tragedy and pain has affected everyone within transplantation and reminded us all of the sanctity of the gifts and sacrifies being made on a daily basis by each transplant team as well as the donors and recipients across the country.

As your team sought to transplant a new organ, our hearts go out to your team in the days and weeks ahead when their loss will begin to be felt.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:29 PM by Bernadette Howard
My prayers are with the families and friends of the victims of this horrible crash. These were individuals who risked their lives to save anothers. We thank them for all their hard work, and dedication, and they will all ways be in our hearts. HEAVEN HAS GAINED SIX ANGELS! GOD BLESS!

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:22 PM by Tom Karl
To the families of all team members:

Our sincere sympathy during this difficult time. The dimensions of this tragedy are enormous, and we will not forget the team members involved. May you all find the inner strength to cope with your losses. I didn't know anyone personally, but as a cardiac surgeon I feel your pain very acutely.

Tom R. Karl, MD, and Pediatric Cardiac Team UCSF Children's Hospital, San Francisco

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:15 PM by PC

I had the pleasure of having Dr. Ashburn on the team taking care of me at WFUBMC. I remember he would do the world for his patients and always had a kind caring word. It broke my heart to see his picture flash on the TV screen today and I pray for his family and all those involved. As a transplant patient at another hospital a year ago, I pray for the family as well.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:15 PM

I would like to extend my thoughts, prayers, and deepest sympathies to the many families, friends, patients, colleagues, and anyone else who has been touched by those who lost their lives in the tragic accident on June 4th. May God bless you and keep you strong!

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:14 PM by Betsy & Louie
Our deepest Condolences to the families of all who were on the flight. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our son was air lifted to U of M in April 2003, (not by those who were involved in the crash). What an extraordinary job to help save lives. We know they saved our son. We are so thankful of the job they all perform, as I am sure so many others are as well. My God Bless You All & give you strength in this most difficult time.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:13 PM by Shelley Smith
Saddened by the terrible tragedy of the loss of such special people, I wanted to share how fondly I remember Dr. David Ashburn. I spent many hours in the operating room with David at Wake Forest University during his general surgery residency. He was such a wonderful, friendly person and a very compassionate physician. He spoke often of his "bride" and East Tennessee. We have lost a great man of upstanding character. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Shelley Smith CRNA - WFUBMC

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:13 PM by Michael
This is a huge loss for U of M. My heart and prayers go out to all the family and friends of the victims. In my time at U of M I had the privilege of working a few times with Dr. Spoor. He was the kindest, nicest surgeon I have ever met. He will be greatly missed. Richard Chenault was such an inspiration. Everyone knew him. He was one of those kind of people you couldn't but love. I remember seeing him in the hallway a week ago and he said hi and stopped to talk to me. I will greatly miss that smiling face. He loved his family, his God, his work and his cross country/track team at Gabriel Richard and his church. We'll miss you Richard.

Posted Wednesday, June 6, 2007 at 01:12 PM by Lynne
My deepest condolences to the families, the co-workers and the University of Michigan Health System at this very sad time of loss. I work in the U of M Cancer Center and even though I never met any of these very fine gentlemen whose lives were lost yesterday, I feel a kinship on a fellow employee and human level. They are dedicated examples of putting 'patients and families first' as PARTNERS and are truly to be emulated in their commitment to service and to their fellow man.

When they were called into duty yesterday and participated in the organ retrieval flight, no one could ever imagine that they would not return. From what I have heard about all of the crew members on the plane, each of them was focused on their mission of helping others. They are heroes in their own right.

I am sure that the family of the patient who was prepped and in the operating room awaiting the retreived organs for the lung transplant, is deeply touched in so many ways at this moment. My heart also goes out to them as well. They also need our encouragement and prayerful support.

On a human level, I know that Survival Flight transported a newly harvested liver for my brother a few years ago. It was a life saving mission. My family will forever be grateful for their efforts.

If you see a member of Survival Flight walking down the hospital corridors today, tomorrow or sometime in the future, please consider sharing your condolences with them even if you don't know them personally. I am sure they will appreciate your comfort, kindness and caring.

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