Saturday, November 10, 2007

One Week Ago...


Ryan Shay died during the U.S. men's Olympic marathon trials on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007 in New York. Shay collapsed about 5 1/2 miles into the race Saturday, and later was pronounced dead at a city hospital. His wife, Alicia (Craig) Shay, is a runner from Gillette. I live with Alicia's folks, Dave and Sally Craig.
Saturday was a very surreal day as I talked to Sally and found out that Ryan had died. At first I thought she was joking. How can it be true that one of the top athletes in the United States is dead? But the more she talked and I could hear the strain and tears in her voice that I knew it was true. My heart broke for the Craig/Shay family. I had met Ryan, right before he and Alicia got married and of course he and Alicia were usuallly a topic of converation at supper time. Talking about their different upcoming runs and of course the Olympic trials. The funeral is tomorrow afternoon and I can't imagine the grief that the new bride of 4 months is and will be feeling tomorrow and for along time to come.
Please keep this family in your prayers.


5 comments:

Angela said...

That is SO very sad! Do they know what caused him to collapse? May God bless and provide comfort to the Craig/Shay families, and be with those that have been impacted and inspired by his life. I will keep them in my prayers.

Michelle Johnson said...

I read about that was very saddened by that news. That was so sad. Poor wife and family. My thoughts and prayers are with them. One of my good friends just lost her husband this last week as well. He was 29 and healthy. She's devistated as well.

7harts01 said...

I can't imagine! Pass on that we are praying for healing and strength. What else do you say?

hot potato said...

my heart breaks for those involved. how tragic. i will do as asked, and keep this family in my prayers. things of this nature can happen to any of us. i am so sorry for their loss. may God be with them at this time.

Life As I Know It said...

I'm so sad to hear about this. I will pray for everyone who has been affected by this loss. I'm so sorry.