[bludden]

I just found out that Don Stewart, who has provided the sound and video work on a volunteer basis for Wonderfest for many years, has died from a self inflicted gunshot wound.

Don has been a great friend to me and many others at WF over the years - even though he was not a modeler, he was a huge fan and supporter of the show and crew, as well as a hell of a guy to party with.

Don, if you are reading this, I hope you have found some peace.

 

[ChrisDoll]

Shocking news, Brian. Thank you for forwarding this to us.

 

[Nova Designs]

OMG that's awful news! RIP Don.

 

[StarshipClass]

Tragic, sad, a great waste of human potential.

If any of you out there ever feel inclined to do the same thing, this is NOT the honorable path to take. I'm begging you: PLEASE GET HELP!

It's out there, it's free. You are not alone. There are others who've been through what you're going through and can help you. If you know the 'help-a-crisis' number, call that. If not, then call 911. WE DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOU!

 

[Ziz]

While this is definitely a tragedy, and our condolences go out to friends and family,

Perfesser, don't instantly assume it was on purpose. Bludden just said "self inflicted gunshot wound". That could have mean it was an honest accident in handling, cleaning or maintaining the gun.

Brian, can you clarify things a bit for us?

 

[bludden]

It was a suicide. Note and all. I just didn't want to type that last night. Sorry.


Evidently the singer for the band that was in the Lizard Lounge this past WF had just died a couple of weeks ago as well, so it has not been a great time for the crew - it really is like a big extended family.

I just know that a big part of my fondness for the show is now gone forever. It is the friends, not the models, that make WF for me.

 

[Nighteagle2001]

Very sad new...... I pray for his family and friends. Don, may you finally find the peace that you could not find in life. You are missed

 

[Lee Staton]

All of us with WonderFest have considered Don a part of our "family." Today has been a sad one as we've sent word from person to person. We all loved Don and are quite stunned. As soon as we can compose ourselves we'll get a little something on our website. For now, we'll just be grieving and supporting family and friends to get through it. We'll sure miss him!

Lee

 

[TAY666]

Oh man.
That is so tragic.
Don was such a great guy. I spent hours talking to him during my first WF in 2002.
I am sorry to hear this.
He will be missed.

 

[Big Daddy Dave]

I'm in shock and will keep everyone at Wonderfest and his family members in my thoughts and prayers. He will be missed...

 

[Admiral Nelson]

A little taste please

I just found out that Don Stewart, who has provided the sound and video work on a volunteer basis for Wonderfest for many years, has died from a self inflicted gunshot wound.

Don has been a great friend to me and many others at WF over the years - even though he was not a modeler, he was a huge fan and supporter of the show and crew, as well as a hell of a guy to party with.

Don, if you are reading this, I hope you have found some peace.

I think it would have been in better taste to have omitted the cause of death. Even newspapers refrain from reporting on suicides. This is not only hard on the family but also a privacy issue. My 2 cents worth.

 

[MCBriggsIII]

Sorry to hear about what happened. Sometimes things like this just happen without warning and there isn't alot you can do . My deepest sympathys to the Wonderfest group and the family of Don.

 

[MonsterModelMan]

Sorry to hear such news. Although I didn't meet him at WF, I'm sure he will be missed. My prayers go out to his family and friends!

MMM

 

[lyciana]

in case you want to know

I just found out that Don Stewart, who has provided the sound and video work on a volunteer basis for Wonderfest for many years, has died from a self inflicted gunshot wound.

don did not shoot himself. he died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a charcoal grill in his room. not that it makes any difference - he still killed himself - but i hate to see people misinformed.

 

[Griffworks]

Dang, that's sad. Sorry to hear about this. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends....

- - - - - -

Jeffrey Griffin
Griffworks Shipyards

* * * * * *

Star Trek Scale Modeling WebRing

 

[Nova Designs]

don did not shoot himself. he died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a charcoal grill in his room. not that it makes any difference - he still killed himself - but i hate to see people misinformed.

So then this was an accident and not a suicide?

 

[Ignatz]

Why would anyone have a charcoal grill in the house?!

 

[lyciana]

http://www.cdispatch.com/articles/2004/08/15/news/top_stories/top02.prt

there's a little back story. don killed himself just a few weeks after shane did, and the local paper ran the story with the headline "copycat suicide claims friend of ballard." i was furious that they made don sound like a depressed teenager who idolized shane and just couldn't go on without him.

i don't claim to know exactly what was going on in don's head those last few days, but i do know that he didn't kill himself just because of shane. he'd been considering it for quite a while, i think. not that any of this matters now - he's gone and we'll all miss him.