In the midst of putting the finishing touches on several graduation sect ions last weekend, Sandy’s family was dealt a devastating blow.
She received a phone call around 10:15 a.m., Sunday, May 18 as I was about to leave for the office telling her the body of her 23-year-old nephew had been found on property in Pierce County.
His death is being investigated by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.
I met Tristin Aspinwall about 16 years ago and have watched him grow and slowly mature into a young man. He and his fiance’ have a beautiful young son who celebrated his first birthday a month or so back.
The week was long as his devastated family waited for the body to return from the crime lab in Atlanta looking for answers from the autopsy as was the PCSO.
I never heard Tristin talk about anyone in a negative way. He was so easy-going and made friends with everyone.
The question is “Why?” Watching friends and classmates file by the casket Friday night, I looked at each as they passed by me while seated in a pew.
You know someone is special when each person has tears streaming down their cheeks. It’s a testament to their character.
Saturday’s funeral was a gut check for the family and friends when the casket was closed for the final time.
I just want to say this to all who may read this. We are not guaranteed tomorrow.
When out with friends riding side-by-sides, as he was doing, make sure everyone returns together to the meeting spot. Tristin left the group because he was getting low on fuel.
Tell your loved ones you love them every day. You never know when something may happen.
Lastly, nothing good happens after dark. Evil lurks when the sun goes down.
Don’t put your family in a situation where they are having to deal with a tragic event like this.
Rest in peace nephew. I pray the devil in disguise will be found quickly and pay for this crime.
• Rick Head is the Publisher and Editor of The Brantley Beacon and the Waycross Journal- Herald. He can be reached at beacon@btconline. net
