I know it has been some time since I have posted anything on this...But for all of you that showed me and my family so many prayers and concern I wanted you to know. They have found my friend and he is no longer with us. The tears are literaly streaming down my face and my hands are shaking as I write this..I have so many feelings right now that I don't even know how I feel! I hurt for his loss and yet I am PISSED! at him for what's happened!! I know that young eyes see these post so I will not get to detailed. But He drowned in the river...right where we were all concerned he had gone in. but wtih the time of year that it was-checking the water was to dangerous for the divers to search. they would break the ice and it was so cold it would start to refreeze when they were in the water. now that the ice has melted his body has been found-no foul play suspted at this time since he still had all of his possesions on him. but they are sending his body to Grand Rapids for an autopsy. A worker for the Badger carferry found him under the water I belive close to the boat. It just hurts and is madding-WE CHECKED THERE!! WE SPENT HOURS LOOKING FOR HIM IN THAT AREA!!!! WHY!?!?!! Couldn't we have found him then!!!!! I still to this day! don't cross that bridge without looking in the water to see if he was there...

I just wanted you all to know because I promised that I would as soon as I knew anything. and you have all been so so kind to me while I was going through this. My head hurts now. So i'm going to stop writing. I'll check in later.
night

So sorry. But now, maybe the healing can began. Bless you, your family and your friends family.

Awww, Erica...
I am so sorry for your loss!
My dad actually drowned in the lake...
so, i know how you feel...
He wasn't found for months and months.

I am so very very sorry, my thoughts are with you and your family

Ohhh how very very Sad. Im so sorry for him, his family, you and all of his friends.
Such a short life! But atleast there is closure now. Im so very sorry Erica.

I am so sorry my condolences to you and his family.

Thank you for the replys everyone...makes me feel not so quite alone at the moment .

Angela~I am so sorry to hear that . It's hard enough with him being a close friend-I couldn't imagine the pain you must have felt when it was your dad. and yes months of searching and wondering....well....SUCKS!

So sorry to hear about your friend, but at least now you have some closure.

Hopefully with time you'll be able to get past the anger but that is a natural part of the grieving process.

Sending Hugs your way!

I am so sorry and had always wondered....I am glad that he is at PEACE now......

I`m so sorry for your loss.

Big hugs to you and your family.

So sorry to hear bout your friend Gabe Hugs and prayers for your loss and at least now you have closure.

Click to view attachment

A Picture of Gabe....love you and miss you....

My condolences. At least you know what happened.

Yes I remember that...my condolences to you and the family....

And I know everyone is happy and relieved to know what happened to Gabe...Now, the question is why did it happen....Maybe the autopsy will reveal something....By the way, Gabe was a very nice looking man....

Thanks for sharing this with all....Rest In Peace Gabe.....

Oh how sad! What a nice looking young man with a great smile. I have often wondered about Gabe and felt that you'd let us know as soon as you knew something. Thanks for the update.
I pray for ease of pain for you and for his family.

I'm sorry to hear about your friend, but I am glad for his friends and family that he was found so he can be laid to rest, take care.

I am sorry to hear this sad news but now you can lay him to rest and start healing. My thoughts ans prayers are with you and your family.God Bless you all.

I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolances in your time of sorrow. Many hugs being sent your way.

oh hun im so sorry!!!!! wish tere was more i could say or do.

Oh how awful... I will send prayers your way.

At times of loss, words are difficult. I want to extend comfort to you who has lost a beloved friend, but I don't know what to say, or afraid of saying the wrong thing. Yet this is the time for words. A few words can comfort a broken heart...a personal memory can bring a smile to a tear-stained face...the assurance of prayers can offer a hand to you someone who walks alone in grief. And as a Christians we can say with confidence, "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

You've lost a beloved friend. I'm so sorry. I'm saddened to hear of your loss. I know you'll miss your beloved friend. I hope you know how much I care. May the thoughts and prayers of those who love you comfort you at this time of sorrow~!

I am so sorry!! I have wondered if there would be any updates.At least now the closure can begin to help all his friends and family heal.

So sad (Hugs) coming from across the miles...

Hugs to you. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I'm glad you at least know what happen to him. I know how hard it can be to let go of someone who's taken so suddenly.
I lost my son in law in a like manner. two years ago. He worked on boats,went off by himself to test run a boat and never came back. We will never know what happen that day to cause him to fall off the boat. So even though we know he's not coming back.
We will always wounder what happen? It has had a really big impact on our family. I think it was a hard reminder that we never know
when will be the last time we will see someone. So I try to honor him by always saying the things that I wish I had said to him.
Like how much I loved him and what a pleasure it was to know him. So now when I get that feeling I try to make sure it doesn't go unsaid.

My prayers are still with you.

I heard about this on the news this morning and immediately thought of you. I'm so sorry for your loss.

Thanks again everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers!! I have been spending the day on and off with his soster and parents and it has been a reminder of the good times and memories. Like nothing has changed.

on a quick update.....Gabe left behind in his passing a little friend named "bandit" a three year old ferret that his parents have been caring for since he went missing. Now they are looking for a new home for him since they now know Gabe won't be coming back....sooooo as a tribute to my friend...bandit will be coming to stay with me after I get back from TX next week. needless to say they were happy I wanted to take him. I'm excited to do this for him and I'm very confident in knowing Gabe would be happy with that if he were here.

well I gotta scoot since my battery was about to die-but I will stop back in again later.

I am so sorry for your loss. Bandit was my ferret's name many, many moons ago. I'm sure he'll at least remind you of Gabe everyday, and maybe you will find some comfort in him. *hugs*

i was honestly thinking about this topic just within the last couple days, wondering if any news had come up. thank you for letting us know. my thoughts are with you, your family, your friends, and most importantly, gabe's loved ones. please take all the time you need to grieve. i think it's pretty apparent that you can talk to any of us if you need to.

take care.

kris

Here is the write up from our local paper on Gabe for those who are interested in reading it.

http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news.php?story_id=39510

And aquick Obituary that the Newspaper stff must have collberated and put together..(his family didn't do this one)

http://www.ludingtondailynews.com/news.php...p;newsgroup_id=

I shall light a white candle. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know this is tough but now you can have closure. This doesn't make it any easier but at least you now know what happened. I do hope that bandit can at least bring a smile to your face and a loving memory. My condoleances...


*hugz*

RIP Gabe Smith

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. What a sad story.

So sorry about your friend.

I know you guys spent hours looking for him where he was found. Perhaps those of you who were close to him were not meant to find him... but I am so glad he was found to give you closure.

It was nice of you to take in his ferret... I am sure he appreciates it.

Skipper I am so sorry about Gabe. I too have been wondering about him and have kept an eye on the news for any updates. I am sorry he is gone, but glad he was found so his family and friends no longer have to wonder.

RIP Gabe Smith

I'm so sorry for your loss. We'll keep you and his family in our thoughts and prayers here, as well.