HOWLAND, Maine — The guitar player from Freeport who went missing after attending Chickenfest last weekend took his own life, the Maine State Police said Thursday.
Dean Levasseur, 24, a member of the fusion-reggae band Roots, Rhythm & Dub for the last two years, hiked with his fellow bandmates for 2½ miles through the woods off Lagrange Road to get to Saturday’s party — hosted every spring by University of Maine students at a different, secret location.
“We followed the music,” Josh Hunnefeld, the band’s bass player and Levasseur’s friend of four years, said Tuesday as he prepared to search for his friend in the woods around where the party was held. “We dropped off our gear behind the stage” and never saw him again.
Levasseur’s body was found just a few hundred yards west of the stage on Wednesday morning.
“Dean Levasseur died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety, said in a statement Thursday afternoon. “A handgun Levasseur had purchased earlier in the month was found with his body.”
The band played at Kingman’s bar in Old Town on Friday night, said University of Maine student Hugh Valaitis of Waldoboro, a drummer for the band. He was one of the 150 or so family members, friends and volunteers who showed up to search for Levasseur on Tuesday and Wednesday.
About an hour after arriving at Chickenfest, Levasseur’s bandmates took the stage at about 11:30 p.m. Saturday and called for Levasseur to come play his guitar, but he never showed.
“We thought he’d recognize the music and come running, but he didn’t,” said Hunnefeld, a UMaine student.
“State Police detectives say their investigation indicates that Levasseur likely shot himself about 1:30 Sunday morning, about a quarter mile from the stage area of the outdoor gathering that he was scheduled to play his guitar at,” McCausland said in the statement.
Penobscot County Sheriff’s Department officers found the annual secret drinking and music party off Lagrange Road on Saturday night and called state police for assistance. Sheriff’s deputies covered the area until 4 a.m., when state police took over, Maine State Police Trooper Thomas Fiske said.
Once the party was discovered, police stopped people from going up the dirt road toward it. But they could do nothing to break up the gathering, which attracted 200 to 400 college-age people, since it was on private logging company land and the property owner had not requested they be removed, Fiske explained.
To get around the law, attendees, including Levasseur and his pals, “ended up parking elsewhere and hiking through the woods to get there,” the trooper said.
Robert Dana, vice president for student affairs and dean of students at the University of Maine, said Chickenfest is “sort of a counterculture, independently derived and independently delivered … hootenanny in the woods.”
The off-campus gathering was started by UMaine students 12 to 15 years ago, he said, but he’s not sure UMaine students continue to host it.
“I’m not 100 percent sure it is students from our campus anymore,” Dana said. “I’m told now that it’s sort of a statewide [event].”
“It could involve UMaine students, but it could involve others as well,” the dean of students said.
Dana said he has never been to Chickenfest but has been told attendees “include older adults, high schoolers and people from other colleges and universities.”
Chickenfest “is usually held in a different area of northern Penobscot County, so law enforcement can’t find the location, [although we do every year],” the Maine State Police website said.
In recent years, Chickenfest has been held in LaGrange, Argyle and just outside Greenfield, Fiske said.
Dana said there would be trouble for any UMaine students linked to the “completely unregulated” woods party.
“If any University of Maine students were found responsible for hosting the unsanctioned and dangerous party, we would take action at the university,” the dean said.
After Chickenfest ended, state police learned from Freeport police that Levasseur was missing. The Maine Warden Service searched the area on Monday with a search and rescue canine but the torrential downpour prevented the dog from picking up any human scent, warden Sgt. Ronald Dunham said.
Levasseur sent a text message at around 1:30 a.m. Sunday and that was the last message he ever made, the sergeant said.
State police detectives believe Levasseur likely shot himself shortly afterward.
The state of Maine’s suicide hotline referral number is 888-568-1112.
For information about suicide prevention, click here.
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So very sad. Rest in peace young man. Warm thoughts go out to his family.
double post…
Didn’t see that one coming… His poor family :(
I know. The odd thing was why he couldn’t find his way back to the music, the same way they found the party in the first place. Now we know. Tragic.
That doesnt make any sense to me.
Yes, it does. David stated –
‘I know. The odd thing was why he couldn’t find his way back to the music, the same way they found the party in the first place. Now we know. Tragic.’
What he intended (I believe) is that was his train of thought PRIOR to the discovery that this tragedy was a suicide. He didn’t ‘get lost’, he chose not to follow the music back, sadly.
I think you may misunderstand whats going on here. The kid shot himself. He was never lost. Therefore never needed to get back to the music.
I feel really sorry for all his friends and family. This whole things just sucks.
I didn’t misunderstand anything. I spent hours in the forest among other volunteers, looking for him. The question in my mind at the time was “why was this young adult missing when there was all this music being played?” I don’t think any volunteer searcher, nor anyone else for that matter, imagined this outcome.
I think what he is saying is that BEFORE anyone knew it was suicide it was odd that he was unable to find his way back to the party by following the music.
So sad. Was shocked to hear about the outcome of this :(
Same here. When the first story came out about him missing, I was extremely optimistic that he had just left and not told anyone because his phone had died or something. Didn’t want to be found type of thing.
I didn’t know Dean, but this news really saddens me especially after a few of my high school classmates have committed suicide recently.
My heart is with his family, friends, and everyone in mourning.
WOW!! condolences to his family and friends…
I knew it, suffering from depression myself, that was the first thing that popped into my head. Now they only question is why? It’s a very unexpected and tragic thing to happen. My hugs go to the family during this time. RIP Dean, you aren’t suffering anymore.
Edited by a moderator? I’ve never seen that.
There is nothing in life so bad that you have to take your life. Prayers to his parents.
“More people die by suicide each year than from homicide, AIDS, or drunk
driving. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among youth and
young adults ages 15-24 in Tennessee and throughout the entire nation.”
Again. Rude.
I agree with you. Look’s coment is informational but its rude to post . Sorry
I was actually replying to the comment “There is nothing in life so bad that you have to take your life.”
coming from someone who’s father walked by her and committed suicide, i think it’s harsh say “there’s nothing in life so bad that you have to take your own life.” i had no idea my father was in so much emotional pain… he was a wonderful father, like dean a very talented musician and also like dean had a lot of people who loved him. this is very tragic and i agree with gena that it is very hard to even expect someone who is deeply depressed to have any kind of objectivity.
Most people do not understand true mental illness. It is very insidious. Sorry for your personal loss. It is nice to empathize but it is easier to sympathize, and nobody knows how one is truely feeling. Not all people ‘on the dole’ are leaches, although there are many! Depression, Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia are legitmate disorders. People kill themselves for many reasons. And sadly many are amazingly bright and talented people. What a loss!!
Unfortunately Judy, depression does not allow one to look at the big picture! When one is in the throes of a depressive episode, the last thing they think about is the future!! I am only responding to this with my own experience!!
Thank you Gena for your comment. What you state is the honest truth. Depression is a very serious condition. One that most don’t want to talk about. Depression is cunning and is a living hell for those who suffer. It is so unpredictable and without help and UNDERSTANDING support from health care professionals, family and friends, it can sometimes become too much to bear. Many depressed people feel in their hearts that their loved ones will be better off without them. In the midst of an episode we feel that we are bringing everyone pain and suffering and it makes our loved-ones feel as helpless and hopeless as we do. We see no way out…… and we either see no future or a future of hopelessness and despair. (V)
My heart weeps and cries out for myself and others who have to suffer because of depression. Blessing and comfort to all involved. God Bless you Dean may you now find the peace and comfort you couldn’t find here on this earth. May you rest in loving arms your suffering is over and others suffering has now begun….
I wholeheartedly agree with you Gena, and as non of us walked in his shoes, we have no idea what was going on in his head. I, too, speak from my own experience. With that said, my thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends. Rest in peace.
such a tragic ending to such a young life. Rest in peace, prayers to the family
Wow…. Really did not think this was going to be the outcome. So sad to see a young man take his life, when really his life was just beginning. Thoughts go out to his family and friends.
His band is playing tonight downtown in the Charles Inn in Bangor, they need a lot of positive support from people right now. They start playing at nine.
“Benefit Concert for the Family of Dean Levasseur (Danny Levasseur’s
son.) Looking for Bands to volunteer their time …. date/location for
the benefit concert for Dean Levasseur and his family. It will be held
on Wednesday, May 16th, at the Brick
Church (a local venue) on the Corner of 1st and Union St. in Bangor.
Doors will be at 6:30pm, show at 7pm and Ill have the bands be setting
up around 5. This venue seats about 250-300 comfortably and I hope to
have at least 4-6 opening bands. I am now trying to work on bands that
wish to play, please contact me asap if your band would like to play or
if you know someone that might be interested. We are looking for a more
mellow show, so as much as i love em, no metal/hardcore bands this time
please. Hope to hear from you all soon! My contact info:
yanniwithamohawk@gmail.com or cell: 2072997942. or Contact me at
skeeter1219@aol.com Cell 207-779-7146 (ask for Carmen)”
I feel sad for this man’s friends and family.
As far as Chickenfest goes. I am not sure where Mr. Dana gets his info from, but when I was at U Maine in the mid 80’s, it was going on then.
this was the 30th ‘Fest
Way out the Stud Mill Road in the Mid 90’s for me Bro! Good time!
Hmm. I was at UMO at this time and spouse has been an employee for 30 years. Neither of us has any recollection of “Chickenfest”. I was fine with Bumstock by the cabins but they had to move it and started banning backpacks, coolers and dogs. I can see why ‘the kids’ look for more exciting things to do!!
Given the information shared thus far, we don’t know why he ended his own life. Who knows? Did he have a mental illness? Did an event in his life trigger this? It doesn’t really matter. Regardless, it is a sad situation. Leave his family alone!! Can you imagine dealing with this situation? Let them ingest and process.
Not surprising that you or your wife didn’t know about this. I ASSSuME you are not of an age, that would be hanging around w/ the 18-25 y/o crowd, since your wife must be close to 50 and is employee. It was always kept on the down low, no signs up around campus. Anyhow, my spousal unit was at U Maine during the late 80s. I asked her if she recalled “CF”. She had no idea what I was talking about.
Anyhow a quick search on Youtube finds the 1993 CF on Pickerel Pond. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFtyLlgWse0&feature=youtube_gdata_player
May he finally find peace. <3
rest in peace dean.
so sorry for this family and their heartache. You are all in my prayers.
“If any University of Maine students were found responsible for hosting the unsanctioned and dangerous party we would take action at the university,” the dean said.
Really? The university would take action? How? Will it toss you out for speeding tickets as well?
What students do off campus should be their own affairs.If they had the party on UMO,s campus,then Dana could have a say in it.In other words,he should mind his own business.
I don’t think I ever heard of a “sanctioned party”, and if there was one, I wouldn’t want to attend. So sorry for the kid’s family and friends.
this.
Huh?
this = A slang word used on popular internet forums which means “I agree with you 100%” or “that is very true.”
judicial affairs has the right to ensure the students enrolled are law abiding. This happens often, when UMO police writes a ticket for under aged drinking or DUI, they often notify the university’s judicial affairs. If you attend the school, you have to follow the rules. Often their penalties are community service, and talking to the lawyer. Mostly aimed at helping students lead a more lawful life, and hopefully stay enrolled in the university.
No. They will just send you to the Counseling Center like they do for everything else. I am really sorry for the family of this poor man. I think that instead of the University worrying about who hosts this damn party every year, they should write a letter to console the family of this young man. I hope that he rests in peace now.
Robert Dana is a self righteous overpaid blowhard. We still live in a free country and what free citizens above the age of 18 decide to do off campus has nothing to do with the pompous dean of students.
Since when do students need approval of the University to have a party in Howland?
Sounds like Dean Werner, “fat, drunk and dumb is no way to go through life mister”.
Why? :(
My thoughts and prayers are with this young man’s family & friends—-my own son took his life five years ago, and life as I know it has never been the same……
Sorry tohear about your loss!!
A parent’s worst nightmare. Losing a child in any fashion is the absolute agony. Sending hugs and good thoughts your way, from one who knows.
This is such a tragedy. Condolences to the young man’s family and friends.
And, yeah, newsflash to the Dean. Chickenfest was definitely alive and well in the early 90’s. That was 20 years ago.
I am shocked to hear this. So sad and heartbreaking and I didn’t even know the kid. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. This is a heartache I cannot imagine having to experience with a loved one. Thoughts and prayers to all.
This is absolutely heart breaking. My many condolences to this family for the suffering this has surely and will surely cause. God bless you all in this time of need.
What a compassionate reply. I hope she takes your advice.
I didn’t mean it to sound envious… poor choice of words on my part. I suffer from bouts of depression, and with the help of my fiance, I get through it. yeah I’ve thought about it in the past, but never done it. I’m grateful for my life now. I would never do such a thing.
I’m saddened by this, to hear this news, because I know what it’s like to hurt mentally and not be able to think of any other options, I know that his family and friends are hurting terribly and have a lot of questions that will never be answered. It’s just a very tragic thing. BUT, there is always someone to talk too. So I don’t need that number, but it’s good that it’s up here for others to see.
My heart goes out to him, his family and our friends.
Few people do not, at some point in their lifetime, consider ending life. Living holds joy and suffering. There is no idyllic utopia, unless one considers that living completely and fully, includes every possibility.
It is good to have someone to talk to, and friends and family can help. But when there are ongoing concerns, it is best, if possible, to find a qualified, objective professional.
exactly! I’m poor with words. So I didn’t mean to make it out to be what is sounded like.
It’s okay. This is a terrible thing. Everybody would be better off getting off the computer and looking at the beautiful yellow dandelions. Doing that now.
I have to totally agree with this!
Such a tragedy…. though I didn’t know him that well, he always seemed to be well liked by his friends and bandmates.
Who would sell a handgun to a young man of an age known to be tempestuous.
That National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
“Who would sell a handgun to a young man of an age known to be tempestuous. ”
I would say every Gun Dealer in the Country would sell him a gun at age 24. Also, every local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Agency, as well as the U.S. Military would GIVE him a gun for free, or at least require him to carry a “self purchased approved gun” while on Duty.
like a gun dealer would know a persons mental/medical history. He could have jumped off of a bridge instead.
so first it was the law enforcement’s fault for having a road block and now it’s the seller of the handgun’s fault? enough with the ‘blame game.’ it’s a horrible tragedy – enough said.
On a different note, something like this happens, there should be mourning and rememberance, not repercussions. I have little respect for Robert Dana and the University of Maine after reading this article.
“completely unregulated” – does maine host festivals where students drink on campus? my school did
“If any University of Maine students were found responsible for hosting the unsanctioned and dangerous party we would take action at the university.”
Why do you think students leave campus to party? Maybe we should just try prohibiton and prohibit fun as well. And whats with “unsanctioned and dangerous”? You just found out it was a suicide and your first response was to blame the entire group of individuals for causing this?
I may not have gone to UMaine or attended chickenfest, but the event is largely UMaine students (and some alumni). Why would anyone else in Maine need to go to someone else’s woods to drink?
I never thought much of Robert Dana before, snd even less now!
Actually the university does, this whole week “senior week” has been full of drinking events, all very cheap, the whole week was 5 dollars. Chicken fest has nothing to do with drinking, if kids of age want to do that, there are dozens of places in orono, that are social parties, and there are multiple ways to get there safely, the LNL, the rage bus, or walk, since the bars are so close to campus. Chicken fest has to do will illegal drug use, either pot or molly. So no, the university of maine does not supply their students illegal drugs. Dr. Dana is an extremely open minded guy and is always willing to sit down and talk with his students about their concerns. He cares a lot about the safety of his students, and chicken fest opens the door for drunk driving, for binge drinking, heavy drug use, with no emergency personal lined up and in the middle of the woods. Most UMO students would never go to chicken fest, purely because of the danger, the small minority that do go, need help with making good decisions for themselves.
don’t allow Chickenfest.
allow Dayglow…
2 way streeet
A tragedy for this young mans community and family. I would urge the BDN to practice safe reporting guidelines when printing stories that involve a death by suicide. At the very least, this article should include contact information for community mental health providers as well as the national suicide prevention lifeline for those readers that may be at risk of suicide. Should anyone from the BDN actually read this, please see the following:
http://www.theconnectprogram.org/sites/default/files/site-content/docs/MediaRecommendations2011.pdf
1-800-273-TALK
I was shocked and sad to see this. Condolences to the family at this most difficult time.
One thing I’m wondering though… I’m assuming there was loud music at the party but didn’t anyone hear a gunshot?
I was wondering the same thing – does anyone know what time it ended?
loud music and 300 to 500 people? unlikely.
I hope sincerely that his family and friends can heal from this double tragedy. It is a double tragedy because a young man took his own life and someone who loved this young man will forever blame themselves. More than one life will forever be affected by this. When someone dies from taking ones own life people who loved them are left asking what could have been done to save them. I hope there is some sort of support group and therapy this poor family can go too.
Suicide isn’t taboo it is an epidemic that needs to be addressed! Let’s stop denying there isn’t a problem in our communities of maine. This tragedy is just another in a long list of people who choose to take their life. Lets try to solve this problem.
You are never alone even when you feel like you are. Someone values your life even if you don’t.
awful.
How devastating this must be for his family! As a mother i feel their pain. As a person who suffers from major clinical depression i am saddened to see that it has claimed yet one more life!! I am sorry the boy felt that he could not share his pain with anyone! To his family, please do not blame yourselves. There were no magic words you could have said to stop this act. Depression is often a terminal illness.
This is so sad… I never met Dean, but he is, my friends, best friend.. This is such a tragedy, I see what she is going through so I can only imagine what his family is feeling like. And to be honest I am disturbed about the fact that BDN had the nerve to post a picture of his brother on his knees crying right after they found him! I know its the medias job to report stuff and all that, but there can be things that are left out, and public pictures of his family greiving, come on now! I am sure there was more than enough other pictures they could have taken and posted that day! It must kill his family when everytime they walk into a store and see the newspaper, they have to relive it over and over again! It just goes to show how far people will go for a paycheck! And I had read a comment saying that BDN should have also posted about where to go for help, if you or someone you know is feeling depressed and thinking of doing this, yes they should have, if they want to publicize a suicide, publicize it in the right way! On another note I am happy to see everyone coming together to support his family in a time of need, its reassuring to know people care… But I think its time to put down the newspapers and stop feeding into what happened and just pray for his family to make it through this ok. R.I.P Dean.. I bet he is up in heaven playing a golden guitar, putting a smile on everyones face while they are dancing along to his music! I am sure thats how he would like to be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with the Levassurs in this difficult time.
This so sad, for the young man and his family. Suicide is never the answer to ones problems.
My prayers are with his family. From past experience I know the pain of lossing a love one to suicide. Stay strong! I can say 100 words.. but I know that they will not help. Just know that people are praying and your family is in the thoughts and hearts of many.
I never knew this young man, but my heart also goes out to him and his family. Stay together , and stay as strong as you can.
Why is a 24. Year old kid allowed to buy a handgun? What a shame.
A 24 yr. old is hardly a “kid.”
An 18 yr. old in ME can purchase one.
History of depression+potential meds & illicit substances+impulsivity+booze+stress of finals=disaster waiting to happen.
UMaine has excellent counseling services available, BTW.
It’s federal law that if you’re purchasing from a licensed dealer you have to be 21 in Maine for a pistol, 18 for a rifle or shotgun. He would still be able to own a handgun however if he bought it in a private sale or was gifted one. That being said, this is a very sad story for both the young man who saw no other way out of the hell he was in or his family and friends who are left to grieve and ask questions.
I have to disagree. As a recent student of UMaine, I would say they have horrible counseling and adviser services. During my time at the University, I went through a very traumatic experience and tried to contact their counselors and advisers, for support and help coping/dealing with the problem. It took well over a month to hear from anyone. I could have been dead before they ever bothered to return repeated emails and phone calls. I hate to think this man might have encountered the same situation. Consequently, I left UMaine, and I am now the student of a much more supportive college.
24 is not a kid biologically but regardless if Dean felt suicide was his only option selling him a gun is not the problem. HE would have gotten one illegally or there are many other ways to commit suicide. Unfortunately suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. This young man obviously thought this was his only option. To all his family and friends stay strong as he never meant for any of you to feel the pain he obviously felt this was his only choice and maybe his life can mean something special if only one person gets help instead of hurting themselves by reading about a family’s tragedy. Dan my heartfelt condolences to you and your whole family and I hope your faith helps your through.
Maybe they shouldn’t allow them to buy rope or walk steep hiking trails or go near bridges or drive vehicles by themselves either. There are other means and if someone is that set on ending their life, they will find another alternative, or just gain possession of a gun illegally. Sad, but true
by the time someone is 24 years old they better be an adult on many levels. oh sure not everyone has life all figured out by then, but 24 years old is hardly a kid. he could have been in the military for 6 years by now.
If he shot himself a few hundred yards from the party one might wonder why nobody heard the shot. Probably no silencer. Loud music? Terrain? Chronicle of this sad story at ma-ne.net.
I’m sure the music and 300 to 500 people was plenty loud to drown out the noise… :(
Look at the debris these useless college students left for someone else to clean up, Is this what they teach in college these days?
That was my immediate (visual) observation when I saw the garbage on the news. Disgusting!! No wonder why people post their land. I appreciate the need /desire to socialize and have a good time but what a bunch of slobs. No respect for nature at all!
If I were there, regardless of how buzzed I was, I’d make sure that crap was picked up.
What the media and the cops are failing to say is that a clean up crew DID stay behind, but they were kicked out by the cops as they were cleaning up, before they could finish.
That was my first guess. Got to get the good press photos to “prove” why “extra” monies were needed to set up roadblocks, send in patrolmen, etc.
From my own experience at Chickenfest the year prior, the organizers/participants DO take the time to clean up the grounds. It is just that this year they were expelled by the authorities before they could finish.
I am more than shook up by this and I did not know Dean; I have spent days hoping he would be found okay and cannot imagine what the family is going through right now. He looked like such a happy spirit – if only people could read between the lines. RIP – I know the comfort you were looking for. <3
You’re not alone. I did not know him either and my heart fell out of my chest when I read this headline earlier today. I have a son close to his age and it just makes my heart ache for his family and friends. RIP young man
So tragic. My heart goes out to this young man’s family and friends. Rest peacefully.
I’m guessing the family knew, as he did send a text message at 1:30 am. So he left the party at 9:30 pm and there was a long gap between the last time someone saw him and the suicide (assuming the suicide happened after the last text he sent). Its very very sad. RIP Dean.
So sad. I must say though…I’m curious as to why the University feels the need to hold the organizers of Chickenfest accountable. Chickenfest did not cause this death. As a student who attended the festival, I’m offended that the school would place any sort of blame on the people who were there. Also, I’m not sure how the litter, that was left behind by the clean up crew after the cops told them to stop what they were doing and leave, has anything to do with what this article is really about.
I wonder, too, on what basis the University would attempt to hold students accountable for an off campus event that is independent of and has nothing to do with the University.
What is this with the UMO police state crap? “If we find any students blah blah blah”. When we used to have parties at Pickerel Pond in the 70’s, a single trooper showed up, was respected, and was only investigating mail stolen from someone’s mailbox in the williwags. He looked around, watched a couple drag races (that little sportster was kicking everyone’s butt) and left. The Tribe, Freedom Slaves and several other bike groups were there as well. No harm, no foul, no unnecessary intrusion. Keep your nose out of off campus activities and give these kids a break. I think you’ll find they will survive. We did. And back then, the drinking age was 18. Then 20. Then 21. Or something like that. Imposing your “morals” on everone else you feel you might have power over is going to backfire. All that, this otherwise is a pretty sad turn of events.
rip brother,hope u found the peace u was looking for!!!!
Mods plz delete this comment.
Wow. I find this so strange. It just seems so implausible. Hike through the woods for 2 and half miles with guitar with other band members, only to go off into the woods and do this? I feel so sorry for his family and friends. My heartfelt condolences go out to you all. I didn’t even know him, and I feel terrible about this.
I also find this strange that he would go into the woods with friends to play at this event and just decide at this point to end it all. It doesn’t make much sense. My condolences to the family also. Its just so hard to comprehend.
My heart breaks for this young man’s family and friends. May they find peace and may God hold them in his arms.
Why? Why? I still hurt. why?
i never knew dean to be the kind of guy that would do this to himself. it makes this more tragic for all of us that knew him – my thoughts are with his family and friends at this time. dean was a good guy, and i hope that for as much of this is tragic people remember the good times he brought to people.
It sounds like you knew him well. I am sorry for your loss. That is all you can do…remember the good times
I didn’t know him as well as some of my other friends and of course his own close friends and family – he roomed across the hall from me at Husson in the spring of 2008 and was my friend’s roommate. We’d run into each other from time to time. I hadn’t seen him for a couple years but we kept in touch on facebook now and then. I’ve had a lot of deaths in my family (both of my parents, etc.) but this is the first person really in my age group to pass away that I knew and kind of shocking in a way – you always read about this kind of stuff happening to other people and never think people you know would do this. In any case whatever he was going through I wish myself or someone else could have been there and helped him through whatever was going on.
My advice in situations like this – if you’re considering something like that is to ask a friend or someone to talk to you about the situation you’re facing. Nothing in life isn’t difficult enough that it can’t be overcome even in the minimalist of ways. Rest easy Dean.
Dana’s comments are pure silliness. While this party brought with it a very tragic event, there is nothing about it that concerns UMaine, Dana, or anybody else “in authority” at the school. Since when is it against the law to have a party in the woods unless you are trespassing on somebody’s property? Since when is Dana in charge of what free, independent, adult people do OFF CAMPUS, whether they are students or not? On what grounds would he “take action” and what “action” would that include? He has no authority over this event.
I am sick at heart for this young man’s painful decision and for his family, who must suffer the consequences of it. But it sounds like he made his decision several weeks ago when he bought the gun and he reaffirmed it when he left the party immediately upon arriving. It is so very sad that young people become so hopeless and despondent that they see no other way around or through whatever pain they are dealing with.
Equally disturbing is all the trash these students left behind!
Trash left behind is equally disturbing as a young man taking his own life? Get a grip pal. Show some respect.
If you really think the trash is as disturbing as a young life lost with so many friends and family members left to grieve such a horrific loss, you are one heck of a cold, heartless individual.
I think we need to all give the kids the benefit of the doubt that they would have gone back after and cleaned up. I would have at that age. And- to complain about the mess in any of these articles about Dean is tacky and rude.
Prayers for the family. I am so sorry this happened.
I can’t believe any part of Robert Dana’s statement to the press. It is inappropriate and ill timed to begin with. His overbearing block bully comment about the party organizers tells me nothing has changed in the administrative mind set there. They would get better support from alum if they treated their students and their friends with greater dignity.
I can’t believe any part of Robert Dana’s statement to the press. It is inappropriate and ill timed to begin with. His overbearing block bully comment about the party organizers tells me nothing has changed in the administrative mind set there. They would get better support from alum if they treated their students and their friends with greater dignity.
I doubt he said this in response to this tragedy. BDN probably just added it in as background info, but it came off as terribly inappropriate. I don’t know Dean Dana to say such things during times like these.
I hope you are correct.
why the hell are you even complaining about the actually fest and the mess that was made in an article that has something to do with someone taking their life. that is so selfish and the bangor daily should be ashamed.
actual*
Fitting. RIP
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpP0b_CQQi4&ob=av2e
My heart dropped when I read this headline. My thoughts are with his family during this time.
Shame on you Bangor daily for posting pictures of his family mourning his loss…
RIP dean, i hope everyone will allow the family to mourn in peace, the media has really done its toll on these poor people. i’m somewhat disgusted by it, and some of the comments posted. We should all show respect here and allow mourning the death of dean, and celebrating his life. I really wish that’s what could be done, for dean, for his family, and his friends. God bless you dean, you work here is done and may you rest in peace buddy.
This is very sad for the family, my condolences. What I can not understand is why he would hike 2 1/2 miles through the woods just to commit suicide afterwards. Usually a musician who is heading to a gig are in a happy mood to play. Was the music so loud that no one heard the gunshot? To me, something just doesn’t seem to add up when you think about it.
Robert Dana was a classless, self serving hack 20 years ago. Nothing has changed since then. I urge all UMO grads to write the president (president@umaine.edu) to tell him why Mr. Dana’s behavior is unacceptable.