My thoughts go to her and her family.

children. HRC was right, it takes a village to raise a child(ren.)

Prayers and good thoughts for all.

What a terrible thing to have to go through.

Yes, I will send positive and healing thoughts your way. My love and sympathy to your whole family.

her and her kids not worry about the immediate day-to-day stuff during this horrible time.

What a shock that must have been for all. So very sorry. Certainly sending loving thoughts your way and for the children.

in my family. I was widowed at twenty-seven. My oldest daughter was widowed at thirty-five. That is her cousin's age. I hope we can help.

some alone time to just be "nuclear" .. and some support time (because the load can seem crushing at first). Consider some "outings" for the children (sans mom) .. when they are ready. And vice versa for Mom. If you're in a position to fill some roll .. try to walk that line between "space" and "support."

And my heart to all of you.

Such a terrible tragedy.

I hope with the love and support of family and friends, your niece will be able to be strong for her children now and going forward. It will be so difficult.

And a hug goes out to you as well, as I am sure you have a heavy heart and feeling much grief for your niece.

I know what she is going through. Lost my husband in auto accident 44 years ago that left me with 5 children to raise. All you can do is to be there for her. It will be tough but she will get thru it for her children's sake and for herself. I'm sure she has a loving family.

Praying for you all.

Sending prayers and love.

we got to try out all the new models every winter. We did some crazy things with those Sky-doos & looking back I'm very surprised I wasn't seriously hurt or worse. Another person I knew & fished his trout pond for years died while crossing that very same pond with a snowmobile & broke through the ice.

Please know that we are with you all.

Is there a place, e.g., GoFundMe--or better, YouCaring (which takes no fee)--where we can contribute?

It really helped my daughter and my grandkids when we lost their dad in a sudden accident.

Words cannot express.

Sending prayers your way.

And those poor kids! Prayers for strength for all. Please let us know if there is a fundraising effort to help them.

Sorry to hear it. I hope for healing for her and her children.

Prayers sent and good thoughts

Keeping you all in my prayers.

Yeah.

Male, 39, risk taking, adrenalin rush sport, no thought to personal responsibility or consequences if things go wrong.

It's all far too common.

Wake up guys, a simple 'No, too risky, not doing it!' style caution needed.

[Above not meant as a criticism. Just a heads up to all the young male heads of households out there. ]

Watched the televised service for all those who died in the Australian bush fires.
Row of lit candles, one for each death.
Among them were the 3 American crew of a water bomber.

The service brought tears to my eyes.

Watching the relatives lay flowers brought home how many lives these deaths affect.

Thoughts and prayers out to all those, especially to the relatives of those Americans who were here to help.

"Male, 39...." That was him, all right.

I am not judging. It is tragic either way. Thanks for your response. I am not the least bit offended.

That tear in my eye just came back again . . .

unexpected grief overcame me and I sat in the darkness for a long time.

When my father died years later, the unexpected grief came back and once again I sat in darkness.

When my son died the grief came back, multiplied many times. I sat in that now familiar darkness once again.

If anyone tried to help me, I do not remember. But I am thankful to those that did.

BUT this is different. Three minor children, a niece who is burdened with grief, housework chores to be done, kids to be readied for school, meals to be prepared, bills to be paid. A shoulder to cry on, or just human company in the emptiness.

Please help her as much as you can.

and my youngest daughter. We're having a celebration of life for him Saturday. He and his youngest son, who just turned nine, share the same birthday. Every time that child has a birthday, he will remember his daddy.

I am so sorry to hear this. Will pray for your family right now.

That's terrible.

Going out to have fun, and never coming home again. Deepest sympathy to the entire family. What a tragic loss of a young husband and father.

That family will need lots of support and love.

I’m not a religious person but I’m sending healing energy their way.

Please send my heartfelt wishes for healing for them as the time comes.

I can't imagine the pain you and your family is going through. So sad.

Condolences to you and your sister.

My thoughts are with you and yours.

The children and your entire family.

...way too young at age 23, was that she wished people had not been hesitant to talk about him because that showed her that he was remembered. After a death, people are often reluctant to bring up the person who is gone out of fear of “making you sad.”

Her explanation was that she could not possibly be any sadder than she already was, and she preferred to talk about him rather than skirt the issue.

So, when friends and family ask your niece if there is anything they can do, if it feels right to her, she can say something along the line of, “Don’t be afraid to share your memories.”

Wishing all of you strength.

for your loss.

Sending a hug and positive energy to your niece, her children and all of their family for guidance and strength.

I recall your shock and sadness when your son-in-law died unexpectedly, about 2 years ago, I would think.
Now to be visited with another family tragedy, as well as your own young widowhood, seems overwhelming.

Thank God and goodness you care and can share, both from your own experience and from simple empathy, your strength and coping skills.

Yes, I can spare some prayers and thoughts; added to list of those who in such need.

No Vested Interest, and everyone else. This thread is a great comfort. We are moving along, and we are all trying to help her and her children in our various ways.

DU is a great family, even during the divisive days of the primary.

Your family must be stunned. Sending healing thoughts.