McDonald Family info Update
I finally got in contact with Christy and Liberty, Stephen's widow and daughter.
I only had about 20 minutes with C. as they had family incoming right then. The conversation was brief but informative. And kind of a stiff one.
I can handle a fair amount of shit, but death, and losing family and friends, is not my long suit.
First, She and the girls all seem to be doing Ok. They are not in a situation and haven't even considered a gofundme or needing anything.
She's not high tech by choice, so she doesn't email. Text/calling seems best. I have her # and she said I could give it out to mags. Lemme know.
Mostly, she asked me if I could get this thread printed out for her somehow. I'm sure we can get that for her, I dunno how though.
She told me about the accident, here goes:
He was riding to Illinois. In Iowa, he was already out at 8:30, riding down a country looking road from the pic. The car driver is a single mom who was moving from one residence to another that day. She had been packing late and was tired in the morning.
While driving between places, she dozed off and went off the road, methinks to the right, then came to.
She overcorrected and veered back left; Over the center line and into Stephen who was pedaling down the opposite lane coming head on.
It was sudden and over immediately, as I understand it. No pain or suffering on his part so far as C. knows.
The police/coroner's reports are supposed to be available shortly. Christy feels like it was an absolutely pure accident. She mentioned that they both felt like they had dodged a bullet or two in the last year so this wasn't completely unforeseen.
I think that family has embraced risk, like true wyoming locals. She was very collected while we talked, more than me. Hopefully I got all the facts right,
I'm gonna miss Stephen. He had so many of the attributes I value in a Ski Bum:
He skied all the time. Probably every day, maybe 6 out 7.
He was an expert/expert. He could get down anything he needed or wanted to.
Bangin' the village for yeaaars.
And Style. His Look, his technique, his coool vibe with anyone, his Hilarious sense of humor; Most especially doggin' the Man. So funny.
Married for years with 3 daughters methinketh. A solid family man and successful skid couture entrepreneur.
Yet he maintained a really low key vibe when skiing around. He was the jackson local with the ponytail, easy demeanor, long skis and vintage clothes in the Tram line. Always ready to crush a Big mtn. lap or pull over for a sesh.
Christy said she and the girls may take a stab at keeping the ski shop going this winter, still up in the air. She is doing the bike shop now in the HostelX.
I look forward to skiing them around next season.
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Thanks to skiJ, DJ2, and Self-Jupiter for the PMs. And all the Irie vibes and texts, etc.
That's Gold.