The dangers of Christmas lights

[Dulcinea]

My sister called.

My cousin is dead.

He was removing Christmas lights from his house, and he fell from the ladder. It was a while before he was discovered. His neck broke when he fell, and he could not move, and his airway was compressed such that he could not breathe. Apparently he was without oxygen for ~30 minutes before he was discovered. They had his brain-dead body on life support for a day before it was decided to discontinue it.

I was not particularly close to this cousin - he was somewhat removed from me in age, and I had not seen him in many years. I am saddened much more than if he had been a stranger, to be sure, but I am not devastated. I loved him a little.

Rest in peace, Russell Spencer Backer.

[cincygreg]

Sorry to hear that Dulc, you and your family have my condolences.

No matter how close you were to them, it's always a little tough and a bit of a time of reflection when a family member passes away.