Abstract:
Sacramento State student Casey M. Raffaelli, a talented artist, avid skateboarder and rowing enthusiast, died on March 22 after succumbing to head injuries sustained in a skateboarding accident. He was 20....
Hello,
First I would like to offer my deepest sympathy for the family. Our family is approaching the anniversary of a 14 year old who tragically died in a skateboarding accident on June 17, 2006(he was not wearing a helmet). He fell, hit his head and lost consciousness and never regained coonsciousness. Frank also died from brain swelling. Our family has been lobbying the community for a helmet ordinance, at least in our city skatepark. We have met with great resistance from the City Council.
Anita,
I am so sorry about your loss, my son DJ Epperson III passed away Oct 8, 2006 from head trauma from a skateboarding accident-he too wasn't wearing a helmet and died from the brain swelling. I am part of task force in our county now that helps promote helmet safety-we had a 400 helmet giveaway in honor of DJ's would be 14th birthday in May 2007. I don't know if your county has any groups like this but if you tell me where you are located I can ask the leader of our county to see if your state has such an organization. I wish we had a law as well but do not know where to begin with this either, feel free to share any information you have. Again, I am so sorry for you, I know your pain and I miss my son everyday! If you need to talk email me as well, I truly understand. Lisa Epperson-Papillion, Ne at
lisa.epperson@cbshome.com
We realize this is one year ago, but still feel compelled to tell our story. Our hearts go out to all of these families that have suffered such a loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them as we share in our losses. Our son, Ian Tilmann, was skating downhill on a local street in Clearwater, FL on May 16, 2005 when he was pitched headfirst from his skateboard onto the pavement. Ian was NOT wearing a helmet! Ten days later on May 26, 2005 our beloved son (28 y/o) died from brain swelling. After our son's death, we formed The Ian Tilmann Foundation, Inc. The Foundation started the "Free Helmet For A Promise" program in January 2006. Our Foundation gives away Free S-One Skater's Helmets to skaters who promise to wear it when skating. We have taken on quite a challenge since skaters do not see the need for helmets! So far in Florida, we have provided over 1,300 helmets. We have eight (8) skate parks participating in our "Free Helmet For A Promise" program with two (2) more signing on as I write this. We are trying to take our safety message and helmet program nationwide and need your help! You can make a difference...PLEASE, tell your local community and public skate parks about the "Free Helmet For A Promise" program. Our website address is www.theiantilmannfoundation.org for information about us and how to become a participating skate park.
Skate Smart...Wear A Helmet...Live To Skate Tomorrow!
Marcy & Barry Tilmann
The Ian Tilmann Foundation, Inc.
Safety Harbor, FL
(813) 215-9950
Spring Break
Anita Mauger
posted 6/01/07 @ 9:29 AM PST
First I would like to offer my deepest sympathy for the family. Our family is approaching the anniversary of a 14 year old who tragically died in a skateboarding accident on June 17, 2006(he was not wearing a helmet). He fell, hit his head and lost consciousness and never regained coonsciousness. Frank also died from brain swelling. Our family has been lobbying the community for a helmet ordinance, at least in our city skatepark. We have met with great resistance from the City Council.
Anita Mauger
Port Angeles, WA