R.I.P. Specialist David Ferrell, U.S. Army

Sad day today as I learned an old Army buddy I was stationed with in Germany in the early 80's has passed away.

He rotated back to the world in 1982.

I flew through Atlanta in 1983 to visit him during leave to show off my new son on our way back to Germany. He came to my parents home in Green Bay one year over the 4th of July after I ETS in 1988, and we all had a blast. He travelled more than I for work and we would meet up in Denver, after we moved here in 1992, often when he was in town working (hotshot telecom engineer). We slowly grew apart a bit and had lost touch for more than a few years, then I reconnected with him 3 years ago.

He'd been through some rough times, lost an (adopted) teen step-daughter in a car wreck, got divorced, couldn't keep a job, and was struggling with keeping his life together in general.

He'd actually been homeless to a degree for a few months, staying with friends and family until he wore out his welcome, then moving on. This was all before I reconnected with him through Facebook.

His other step-daughter "made" him join, but he was never really online much. I was thrilled when, after so many years, I found him again. We spent hours on the phone catching up and reminiscing about old times raising hell in Germany.

We'd only talk twice a year, but for hours, though in reflection, not nearly often enough, and I always thought it helped cheer him up a bit. For me it was always a bit melancholy; perhaps it was for him too. I dunno. Last we spoke, he was getting assistance from the VA with his housing and living expenses, and seemed to be in good spirits.

I don't know the circumstances of his passing yet, but I have my suspicions due to his general mental health state. I was not aware of any physical medical conditions or ailments. Nothing he divulged when we last spoke.

While I wished him a Happy Birthday via e-mail and FB, I'm beating myself up today for not making the call I thought about Nov 18th to catch up. Man, it's getting dusty in here again... part of the process I guess.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your old Army buddy.

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend sounds like you guys had some great times.
[Salute]

I'm so sorry. The connections we have with our DoD family are eternal. I'm glad you got to reconnect, and I'm sure he was thrilled, too.

:(

Sorry...

Sorry for what your buddy went through. I am sure you in your own way provided him with some level of comfort when he most needed it. Sorry for your loss.

Sorry for your loss, brutal.

Condolences !!!

Aw man, my condolences. :(

Condolences of the loss of your friend.

I suspect that a lot of us are at the age when we be seeing the passing of old friends and family.

God Bless you and yours.

Sorry for your loss. For so many who never served, they'll never understand the bonds of brotherhood formed by military service. It's awful losing a brother. Prayers being sent your way.
Just remember what Gen Patton said "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived."

My sincerest condolences. Prayers for his family.

Sorry for the loss of your friend....

I got a voicemail from his ex-wife too early in the morning while still sleeping, she obviously didn't realize I'm two hours behind.

Unfortunately, due to really bad timing with work commitments, I was not able to speak to her today. We're going to try again tomorrow evening.

All her voice mail said besides the rambling about who she was, was, 'David fell and died." So still not sure WTH happened.

My wife had digitized some old photos a few years ago. I need to put together a package and send it to the family.

Sorry brutal.

Wow, so sad to hear. But don't beat yourself up for not reaching out.

Got a little closure tonight.

Spent an hour on the phone with his ex getting the details.

I think it was good for both of us to connect and work through it. According to her, he had some deeper medical issues I was not aware of. Speaking to him last time, it didn't seem like he had an alcohol abuse problem, but she made it out to be significant. I tried to steer the conversation to all the wonderful things he did, and what a fun guy he was, and how many lives he touched in a positive way. He didn't have a mean bone in his body, and had a heart as big as all outdoors. He cared deeply about his friends and family, but apparently not enough about himself.

The coroner report stated that he died from a broken neck. Appears he fell down drunk and struck his head on a counter in his apartment and they believe based on the damage caused, he died instantly. Apparently the toxicology estimated BAC at time of death was extreme. So basically, he got too drunk and fell to his death.

The VA is screwing around with the whole thing, so they've just decided to have a graveside service, performed by his brother who is a pastor. He will be cremated and laid to rest in a plot next to his beloved mother who passed away in 2007.

He is in God's care now and hopefully rejoicing with his parents, his brother, and step-daughter.