The Reese Family Responds to Suicide Rumors

This message was included in a school-wide E-mail from Shrewsbury High School Principal Brian Reagan from the parents of Andy Reese, who died in a car accident in December of 2010.

The letter read:

This is a heartfelt thank you to our community, our friends and all who have been reaching out to us since the passing of our son, Andy. We are very grateful for the many different ways that you have expressed your love and kindness to us. We have received an abundance of food, plants, cards, prayers, angels, baskets and lots of help; the outpouring of support has been truly moving to our family.

There has been a considerable amount of information that has been voiced both privately and in public forums regarding the accident that took Andy’s life. As this information has been relayed back to us, we feel that it is appropriate to provide some more insight.

The state police became involved on the possibility of suicide. Their investigation concluded that based on the evidence, the crash is considered an accident. Their comments point out that Andy was an inexperienced operator driving faster than the posted speed. The speed of the car was estimated to be between 50-60 mph in a 40 mph zone. Andy was driving alone on a dark road and there was another car approaching with high beams on. There were not any notes found in the car.

From our perspective, we know that Andy did not have his license nor did he have permission to take the car that morning.  However, it is clear to us where his destination started out to be. Andy made some bad decisions that morning and in a split second, his life was over. We would like Andy’s friends to think about him when driving a car. I’m sure that if he had another chance to do it right, he would have used better judgment. In his honor, we ask you to do the same.

Finally, we sincerely consider it a blessing to live in the Shrewsbury community. The support provided by students, faculty, friends and many unknown individuals in the days that followed Andy’s death lifted our family through the most difficult of times. The cards, pictures, videos, and banners along with an incredible personal show of love and compassion at the wake and funeral are now all part of our memories of Andy. He truly touched the lives of many of all ages.

Please join us in remembering the laughter and love for life that Andy brought into this world. Also keep in mind that regardless of how a child dies, it is a tragedy and a huge loss to everyone who loves that person.

Sincerely,

Darrell and Lisa Reese