Hundreds of students gathered Sunday night in the Driscoll Ballroom for a memorial service held in honor of David Dubrow and Michael Ness, both of whom passed away after sustaining injuries from a Connecticut house fire in August.
Both David, who would have been senior sociology major this year, and Michael, a former DU student, were members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity.
SAE president Parker Roe began the memorial, saying, “If there’s one thing about David and Mike that comes to mind, it would be their absolute spontaneity. David and Mike capitalized on every opportunity which came their way.”
These deaths come after the death of Wilson King, another member of SAE who passed away in April after being struck by a car. A common theme of the memorial service was dealing with grief and moving forward.
Chaplain Gary Brower read a letter addressed to the students attending the memorial, written by the King family.
“We are in awe of your incredible compassion and understanding of our recent loss, and we know that you will do the same for the Dubrow and Ness family,” the letter said. “To all of you: please, please don’t use your youth or your experiences these past few months as excuses to take unnecessary risks. Instead, keep your memories of David, Mike and Wilson alive and use their tragic deaths as both a reality check that life is fragile, even in youth, and as a reason to be the best person and leader you were born to be and encourage those around you to do the same.”
The parents of both Michael and David sent messages as well.
“We want you all to keep David and Michael and Wilson in your hearts and live your lives in the moment—with great enthusiasm and love, love, love,” said the parents of David Dubrow in a text that was read during the memorial. “We wish you all wonderful blessings and send all of our love and gratitude.”
In a letter that was also read during the service, Elizabeth Ness, Michael’s mother, wrote, “It is the wonderful memories that we need to hold close to our hearts now. Mike would want no tears or heartache. Mike would want celebration and togetherness—laughter, love and joy.”
DU shared the news of the deaths with “great sadness” and “deepest sympathy”.
“Sad news such as this can affect all of us in the DU community, so it’s important that we come together to support one another during these difficult times.” the statement said.
Chad Ledy, a senior in SAE this year, ended the memorial by saying, “Life is not a right. It’s not something that everyone gets—it’s really a privilege. If you’re in here right now and you’re breathing you have a responsibility to these guys who don’t have that option.”
