Christian (Chris) L. S.

Chris S., 16 June 11, '80 - June 24, '96 drown

MEMORIES AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Memories and photographs are all that remain of a 16-year-old boy who once was alive, but now is dead.

Memories and photographs are the only means left to recall the boy’s smile, laughter, eyes and kind heart.

Memories and photographs of a son and a brother who was loved and cherished by a mother, a father, and a brother.

Memories and photographs of a boy who brought so much joy and whose death caused pain, anger, and deep despair.

Memories and photographs are not enough to comfort the family who love him so much.

Memories and photographs are all that is left to represent the life that was taken away -- a life full of promise and hopes and dreams.

Memories and photographs, I pray they don’t fade as time goes by, because they are all I have left of my 16-year-old boy.

We love you and miss you!!!

I Love You Chris

I love your handsome face
I love your sweet smile
I love your beautiful eyes
I love your voice
I love your laugh
I love the way you talk
I love the way you think
I love the way you walk
I love your hair
I love your sweet and sensitive nature
I love your hands
I love the clothes you wear
I love your name
I love the way you wear your hats backwards
I love that our tastes in movies and music are the same
I love that we talk about anything and everything
I love that we enjoy each other's company
I love that we have fun together
I love that you make me happy
I love that we are friends and love each other
I love that you are my son
I love everything about you except that you are gone
I will love you forever

Love, Mom (Marilyn S.)

Christian (Chris) L. S. II, 16 - 6/18/80 - 6/24/96

Teen tried to save drowning pal in Shelby Township, but failed: By Bobby C. Calvan – Free Press Staff Writer

The yells rang frantically from the water. Sixteen year old Christian S. struggled for breath, slapping against the water before sinking into the depths. Fifteen-year-old Jesse S. did all he could to save Christian, his best friend, first trying to pull him to the shore of Hawkins Lake, in a Shelby Township subdivision. But Christian was too panicked, Jesse recalled. By the time help arrived, it was too late, said Chuck M., who heard Jesse yelling for help shortly before 9:30 p.m. Monday. 'I need help. My friend is drowning,' Jesse yelled to anyone who would hear on the small lake surrounded by attractive homes. Then he swam to shore and pounded on Chuck M's door. 'I went out and made a couple of dives, to see if we could find him. But it was too dark,' said Chuck M. Soon, other neighbors were diving to look for Christian, whose body disappeared about 30 feet from shore. Fire Department rescue crews arrived soon after, but could not save Christian, who had just turned 16. It took about an hour for rescuers to find the boy, who was pronounced dead at St. Joseph West Hospital. It was a year ago when Jesse moved to the Bannister Lake subdivision. He and Christian, who both attended Eppler Junior High School, became quick friends, playing football and basketball together. On Monday, the boys watched rented movies and played video games before deciding to take a dip in the lake behind Jesse's house. 'We were swimming and he said that he was getting tired. Then he said he couldn't move,' Jesse said. He mentioned cramps. Then he began flailing. Jesse said he tried to tow Christian to shore, but couldn't. He swam ashore for a paddleboat, but the craft was filled with water. He tried a second craft, but it tipped over.