Too young, too soon

Oakville Beaver editorial Jun 09, 2010 – 1:23 PM

Today’s Oakville Beaver features three articles about three local teens, Sara Carlin, Drew Hildebrand and Matt McGregor who, sadly, left this world all too soon.

Sara Carlin, who was suffering from depression, took her own life in her parents’ Oakville home in May 2007.

Drew Hildebrand died as a result of senseless teen violence in April 2008.

Matt McGregor was killed in a car collision last March.

We cannot imagine the heartbreak and loss their families and friends must feel.

However, we salute all three families for turning such heartbreaking tragedies into positive endeavours.

McGregor’s parents, Sharon and William, will honour the memory of their son by jumping out of a plane with a parachute on June 19. The jump has grown into an event involving 30 people, who will raise funds for the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Hildebrand’s parents have honoured their son’s memory by establishing the Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund to help turnaround teens achieve their goals. Last Saturday, more than 300 participants helped raise funds for this charity in the second annual Drew Hildebrand Teen Benefit Fund 5 km Walk/Run. The event saw five scholarships given to five turnaround teens to help them pursue their post-secondary education.

While the Carlins have not established a charity to in their daughter’s memory, they are still honouring her by ensuring she didn’t die in vain.

Against all odds, the Carlins have petitioned for a Coroner’s inquest into their daughter’s suicide in May 2007. The Carlins allege the prescription anti-depressant drug Paxil played a role in their daughter’s death.

The inquest began Monday and is expected to last three weeks. For the Carlins, it will be a grueling three weeks in which their daughter’s last days will be placed under a microscope and revealed to all.

The presiding Coroner Dr. Bert Lauwers has stated the inquest is not about finding blame for Sara’s death, but rather preventing similar deaths in the future.

If the inquest saves even one life through the jury’s recommendations or the publicity it generates, then the Carlins will have made a lasting tribute to their daughter.