heartbreaking: r.i.p. brandon haskins

Jul 16, 2010

The other day I got a message on Facebook from Chad Oler, somebody I hadn’t met before.

Hugh,

One of our mutual Facebook friends, Brandon Haskins, was murdered yesterday – shot to death by his step father in Troy, Ohio. His last Facebook post was just a couple of hours before it happened… he posted your drawing, ‘Life is too short not to do something that matters’. I am a small screen printer and have been asked by one of his friends to print a t-shirt for other friends and family with some kind words and, if possible, you art. No profit will be made and there will be absolutely no self-promotion on my part. Is it possible?

Thank you.

Chad Oler

So of course, I let Chad go ahead and make the t-shirt design (see above). On the other side of the shirt are printed the words, “Grace Happens”, which is a lovely little sentiment.

I hadn’t really met Brandon before, either, other than letting him friend me on Facebook. And now he’s gone; he was only 23 years old. What a truly heartbreaking story.

My deepest condolences to his family.

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Richie Allen

14 years ago

Heard about this a couple days ago. So sad. He was the Chief Creative Officer at ClayBridges Publishing. Apparently such a creative guy, great potential, doing something he loved.

Life is indeed way too short to do otherwise.

Here’s the press release from his publishing company after his death.
http://www.claybridgespublishing.com/apps/blog/show/4219959

Kirsty Hall

14 years ago

Oh no, how horrible, that poor young man.

Steve Robillard

14 years ago

Hugh,

A class act as usual.

Thank you

Marco Raaphorst

14 years ago

what does family mean in this case? he was murdered by his step father… sad story

Charles Valerio

14 years ago

I didn’t know Brandon but I stopped by his facebook page today and there’s so much words of love exchanged between friends and family. It’s very saddening and like you said hugh, heartbreaking. Very sad to hear that someone so young, creative, and full of life can leave really bad conditions. Rest in Peace Brandon.

stacie tamaki

14 years ago

This is such a tragic loss 🙁 I didn’t know Brandon but just visited his Facebook page after reading this post. My deepest condolences to Brandon’s loved ones.

For someone who loved people and life so much, it is heartbreaking that Brandon became a victim of such terrible violence. I am really glad to know that his last Facebook post was so meaningful.

Your cartoon’s message is timeless Hugh and in context, is incredibly profound.

Sarah

14 years ago

I was touched and horrified by this story. 23 is far too young to die and by such violent means.
I send his family and friends my thoughts and condolences.

Jessie

14 years ago

Hugh, I only recently started following you and am totally enamored of your creativity and character.

That you were at least able to touch this amazing person’s life in some way before his tragic passing is a blessing of sorts…

…love and condolences to those who knew and loved Brandon. May he be in an even better place than it sounds like he was here with us.

Sugarluxe Art

14 years ago

Hi Hugh! I’ve been unplugged for months. Recharged and now ready to dive back in.

To do that, the first thing I wanted to do was check in on you and get a good laugh to start my week. (which I did)…

Then I find this post and my eyes fill up with tears. This is tragic beyond words.

Brandon’s loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers. I appreciate you sharing this with us.

Florence Haridan

14 years ago

This morning I received your email about the spiritual journey longing to be taken.

I believe we are all on each others journeys and whether we choose to face it or not we have the choice as to how we affect others each day.

We we think, create, distribute MATTERS!!

Many years ago a boss helped me see that as a powerful creative force, I have responsibility. She compelled me to be conscious of the affect I have on the world around me and to be at choice was my greatest opportunity.

Today as a writer, coach, motivational speaker and spiritual seeker, I am aware of the actions I take and the potential outcomes. While I often have no idea of the ripples, I am often astounded at the places God puts me in and the people he surrounds me with.

I salute consciousness and taking responsibility!

Blessings dear man!

Keith Haskins

14 years ago

I am Brandon’s father. Your art and Brandon’s post did make an impact and he did leave a legacy….although his life was short he did live it to the fullest..His “creative” was just starting…Thank you for the use of your work…

Editor

Hugh MacLeod

14 years ago

Reply to Keith Haskins

Thanks, Keith, I’m really sorry about your loss 🙁

Edvigia

14 years ago

Hey, Hugh,

Sure, the story is sad, heartbreaking and I am sorry for the ones who loved him.
I do, however have to say I am impressed by another thing. Chad Oler asked your permission to use your work… I find that amazing. This just does not happen anymore… I know for sure that the people respecting another one’s work is rare and underapreciated…
So my respect goes to Chad for asking and to you for giving 🙂
[you will have to excuse my spelling, not my strog point]

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