The Casket of Luke Tiahrt
Remembering an Angel:
Luke Tiahrt
by Kevin Caruso
Luke Tiahrt was a 16-year-old who just completed his sophomore year at W.T. Woodson High School in Fairfax, Virginia.
Luke Tiahrt was a talented, intelligent, and athletic young man. He was the starting linebacker for the varsity football team at Woodson High, and he was also a member of the lacrosse team.
He also enjoyed art and playing the guitar.
On July 24th, Luke died by suicide.
"This was a complete shock," said George Bruce, a family friend.
Other friends said that Luke appeared happy and that they could not see any signs of trouble.
"The death of a child has to be one of the most difficult experiences a parent could ever face, said Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, "My thoughts and prayers are with Todd and Vicki and the rest of the Tiahrt family."
"[Our] sympathies.are with the Tiahrt family, said Dennis Jones, chairman of the Republican state committee. "This is a tragedy of unspeakable proportions."
"Our lives were devastated, Saturday, July 24, 2004, when we lost our son and brother Luke," wrote the Tiahrt family in an open letter to their community, "Anguish was only a work until that day."
Hundreds of mourners attended the July 28th funeral, including House Speaker Dennis Hastert, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, and House Majority Whip Roy Blunt.
Some of Luke's beautiful artwork was displayed at the funeral. And many wonderful things were said about this very special young man.
We miss you Luke.
