I noted last night that the story I wrote last night about Brendan Burke was the top search result for Mark Reedy. Going through StatCounter I could see that there were many, many people arriving here searching for his name and more information about the other young man that lost his life yesterday. Sadly, when a tragedy like this strikes the focus can sometimes swing too far towards the more high profile person. It would be criminal to forget that Brendan was accompanied by a friend whose family is going through all of the same turmoil and the Burkes. I am humbled that a classmate of Mark's reached out to share some words about his friend. He has consented to share them below and it is pretty clear that this accident ended not one but two amazing lives far too soon.
Mark Adams Reedy was one of the most genuinely nice people that I have ever have had the pleasure of knowing. Concerned with the well being of all that he knew, Mark was never on a foul note with any of his acquaintances or
friends. A talented athlete (2 time high school State champion runner up in diving in Michigan and accomplished soccer player), as well as a dedicated student who devoted much of his time to his studies, Mark was a person that many parents can only hope their children can be. An individual that was able to lighten even the foulest mood, Mark was an optimistic person to the core. Such a horrible occurrence could not have happened to a more undeserving person. His thoughts are with myself and all that knew him, and the love towards him is undying. Being able to know and befriend Mark has been an absolute privilege over the past 12 years. An absolute God-send to humanity, it is truly a tragedy to see such an amazing young man come to such an unfortunate end.
Born on March 25th, 1991, Mark grew up and resided in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan for the duration of his life barring the last 6 months in East Lansing. He attended Hickory Grove Elementary School, East Hills Middle School, and Bloomfield Hills Lahser High School, graduating in June, 2009, to attend Michigan State University. He is survived by his loving and supportive family; Clifford, Marcia, Megan, and Michelle (Father, mother, and sisters; respectively).