The Tree

Tragic.

That is the only word for what happened today. I spent a week thinking about what to write about today, and couldn't get past the charred hulk of metal we passed on the way up. And The Tree.

Family Remembers UO Students

By Jeff Skrzypek -- KEZI

Thursday was a chance to say "good-bye" to two University of Oregon students killed in a weekend car crash. Family, friends and teachers gathered near campus to remember both Collin La More and Ellis Heyer. It was a difficult day for those close to Heyer and La More.

"Ellis was an amazing kid, he just really loved life," said Sheila Heyer, Ellis's mother.

However, it was also a time for laughter and smiles, when family and friends thought back to the two young men that were so full of life.

"He was just such a loving and caring and adventurous person," said Jill Duthie, Collin's mother.

Words that the family of Ellis Heyer and Collin La More use to describe the young men. The two died this past weekend, when the car they were riding in slid off the road and crashed into a tree near Oakridge. Heyer had big plans after college. He wanted to travel to China, in the hopes of sharing eastern medical practices with the west.

"He had so many things that he wanted to do. And just knowing that he's not going to do those, knowing that we're not ever going to be able to huge him," Heyer said.

La More, having already had a brush death once in his life when he was very ill a few years ago, was about to achieve his dreams in life. He was set to graduate in just a few months.

"I will miss that, that I wont get to see him carry on. But I have to keep telling myself, that he did live a full life," Duthie said.

A full life, with memories that spur tears, smiles and laughter from those who loved La more and Heyer. Also, a reminder about just how precious life is.

"Everybody is reminded of that that is apart of our community. I think people should value everyday," said Mike Strong, UO faculty member.

Just as Heyer and La More did.

"Both exceedingly smart. Just great good people in every sense of the word you can think of it. They tried hard in everything they did and wanted the best for everyone. And well miss them everyday and think about them everyday," said Zane Kent and Brooks Chiong, friends.

The Tree. I considered posting a picture of it, but didn't. To provide the details, three UO students were headed up to Mt. Bachelor and hit a patch of ice and skidded into The Tree. Passersby rescued the driver and then shortly later the car burst into flames and burned.

The tree is big leaf maple by the side of the highway. It is now charred about 25 feet up and serves as a reminder of what happened there on January 22, 2010. From the looks of it, the tree will bud out and leaf this year. The trunk is more or less permanently damaged.

We've been driving up to The Pass for more than a decade and have seen our share of accidents--including fatal ones. It always serves as a reminder of how everything can change in a moment. Everything.

Nothing like a pointed stick to help keep things in perspective.