Posted by scfeiring on August 20, 2008 at 5:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This breaks my heart. Please keep the family in your prayers. We'll be needing it.

Posted by MissyMoo on August 20, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How very sad. Saying prayers to this man's family, friends, the crew and the captain of the ferry.

Posted by KitsapPatriot on August 20, 2008 at 7:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow I remember them announcing that the Bainbridge Island ferry was late due to a medical emergency while I was in line waiting for the 4:20 Bremerton ferry in Seattle. I hope the family of this young man find the strength to endure this trying time.

Posted by cinders357 on August 20, 2008 at 9:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

the statement "It was very unfortunate," Coursey said. "Our condolences go out to our crew and our captain because they were very valiant in their effort, and to the family of this gentleman." is just inappropriate. This isn't about the crew and the captian, it was about the young man that died.

Posted by NavalAviator on August 20, 2008 at 9:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not quite cinders357. Rescuers who cannot save a person sometimes have huge problems coping with the reality that their efforts were not enough.

Posted by rrcynthia on August 20, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Tuesday was a rough day on the ferries! We were on the 6:10 a.m. ferry about to offload in Seattle when we heard the announcement that crew was needed for a medical emergency in the galley. Just about two minutes later there was an announcement asking if there was medical personnel on board. Not sure what was going on, but it didn't sound good. Now hearing about this later on the same day. Not sure if it was the same ferry or not though.

To the family, friends and the ferry and emergency crews...my families prayers will include you all. CatInAHat is right with their post. Being the daughter of a fire chief (dad) and an EMT (mom) I know firsthand the pain they suffered whenever they lost someone.

Posted by OlallaF on August 21, 2008 at 5:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cinders357,

Accompanying someone in their dying is very painful. Bless those who helped this young man. Though he died, he wasn't alone. If the people leaving messages were kind enough to include the people that attended to this soul in their thoughts and prayers, do you think they're not extending the same grace and understanding to the man who lost his life and his family and friends?

What purpose is there in scolding people who are simply taking the time to reach out?

Taking those affected by public death into consideration isn't exactly a new revelation;
"Grief counseling was made available to the boat's crew".

You could even go so far as to say, the crew put their lives in jepordy as does anyone who comes into contact with a dying persons bodily fluids. CPR is risky business. One could even become injured during this procedure putting themselves at a greater risk should the person carry a disease. I'm sure the thought would cross my mind, not knowing why this person was struggling to live. What if his malady was infectious?

Even medical personel learn they can't deal death and they made a choice that put themselves in that position. The rest of us just pray our insignificant emotions aren't subject to such an experience. I'm sure some tears were shed by some bystanders as well. And this empathetic ache in my heart for them is just highly inappropriate.

Posted by fumanchu on August 21, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree with cinders' original comment

Posted by Eaton_Dogfud on August 21, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why are people looking for someone to condemn? A man died. The ferry workers tried to save him. Coursey offered condolences to those who tried to save him, and to the family of the guy who passed away.

Offering condolences is not inappropriate. Don't be ridiculous.

Posted by momom49 on August 21, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nicholas was only 24...to young to pass away so unexpectedly...my prayers, thoughts & sympathy are with his family.

I agree with OlallaF. I'm glad Nicholas wasn't alone when he died. He had people with him who cared & who tried to help.

Posted by brem_vet on August 21, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I'm so sorry Mr Thompson died and very sorry to the family for the loss they suffered. I am also feeling bad for the people who tried in vain to save him. They feel a tremendous loss too, as they did whatever they could to try to save a young man they probably didn't even know. To agree with cinders and fumanchu is nuts. I was a nurse assistant for many years, some of which was in ICU, and know firsthand the pain of losing a patient. It's not an easy thing to be part of. Death never is. Please don't condemn the man who reached out to offer condolences to the people who TRIED to help. God Bless them each and every one.

And, scfeiring, you opened the comments with "This breaks my heart. Please keep the family in your prayers. We'll be needing it" - I can only assume this man was YOUR family member. My heart goes out to you and your family. My prayers as well. Please don't pay much heed to lots of the comments on here - some people don't have a heart.

Posted by cya247 on August 21, 2008 at 10:31 a.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by 2Woofs on August 21, 2008 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cinders do you find positive things to say about anything? Your comment was inappropiate. My condolences to the young man's family, AND to the ferry crew.

Posted by NavalAviator on August 21, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

As for the young man passing at age 24 . . . well, he had finished his time in this demension and it was his time to move on. Passing this young, means that he was a very old soul having lived many lives in this earth plain. His family will be comforted by his memory. However, his spirit lives on, simply in another demension. Death is as natural as life; those that mourn a death are only those left behind.

Posted by grothk on August 21, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

While the 'phraseology' could have been better, I agree with the sentiment in offering condolences to all involved in this unexpected death. And though I believe that no-one dies until God calls their number, those left behind need care and support...and they have mine.

Posted by peanutbutter715 on August 22, 2008 at 6:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I've witnessed someone take their last breath. It was no picnic for us whom where there. The trauma of the accident, the feeling of not being able to do more... The sound... I will never forget that image.

Posted by spiralgirl3 on August 22, 2008 at 6:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I knew the guy's father. He leaves behind a young son who is the apple of his grandfather's eye. Hopefully he'll be able to move past the death of his son & focus on his grandson.

Posted by dia_b on August 22, 2008 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

rip nick, you were a great friend and we all miss you dearly. you will never, ever, be forgotten. i know you wouldnt want us to be sad, you would rather us go drink a few beers...so we are, just for you.

<3