L'chaim

Today, they found Erik Downes' body. But they only found his body because his wonderful, gracious existence still lives on in all of the people that were fortunate enough to know him. If you did not have the pleasure of knowing Erik while he was alive, I am sorry for you- probably more sorry than I am for the people who had the chance to experience the exquisite person, son, brother, and friend he was- to everyone. 


While I was not one of Erik's closest friends, I was his classmate, and his fellow petrel. I admired him and his drive, both in life and school. He impacted the Oglethorpe community in unimaginable ways, bringing smiles to everyone throughout the busy day and motivation in the late hours of nights consumed with studying. He was a man of perseverance, of humility, and of God. His beliefs gave me the strength to believe in something- in anything- and his pure spirit brought a light to Atlanta that can never go out. Erik Downes was someone who could- no, would- have changed the world, and I am deeply sorrowful that the Earth will never know what he had to offer it: passion, love, wit, intelligence, grace, kindness, innovation, belief, and hope. His death is nothing but a tragedy, but his life will always be something to celebrate. 


To Erik Downes; to the people he loved and those that loved him back; to his family; to his existence...L'chaim.