Rest in peace, Brandon Carlson.

Brandon Carlson

Today really wasn't the Thanksgiving I had expected. Not too long after posting my football picks, I received a call from my sister that she was heading to the hospital. I asked what for. I learned that a mutual friend of ours, Brandon Carlson, was in a motorcycle accident, and was in critical condition, about to be operated on at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. I made sure to tell her to drive safely, and keep me updated. Not more than 4 hours later, we received another call, letting us know that Brandon had died.
He had bought a new crotch-rocket about a week ago, after receiving his motorcycle permit. He was out riding with a friend, when his rear tire entered a seam in the concrete. With your weight so far forward on a sport bike, the rear tire in this type of situation would become unstable, and squirly. This happened, and he lost control. He hit the curb, and was thrown into the ditch. In flight, he attempted to grab a road sign post, and it was then he was wrapped around it, and his shoes and helmet flew off. Thankfully, the car behind him was watching all of this, and its occupants were very knowledgeable regarding first responder procedures. They were able to get him off from around the sign-post, get him breathing again, even though he was still unconscious. The ambulance arrived not too long afterward, and he was transported to Regions. It was said that if he were to make it, his right arm and foot would have to be amputated. He entered surgery at 12:24 PM today. The sugeons were able to stop the bleeding in his abdomen, but were not able to stop the bleeding in his brain. He died around 3:00 P.M. due to a combination of inexperience and an unfortunate string of events.
You were a fun guy to be around, you made other peoples lives brighter, and you were a loving brother, son, cousin, uncle and friend. He was 20 years old. He wanted to be a police officer. He was a good kid, who like to raise a little hell every now and again. Everyone can be thankful for the times we had with you, and for the doctors who tried valiantly to keep you with us. You are in a better place now, waiting for the rest of us. You will be missed.

On this Thanksgiving, please be thankful for the people in your life who love you, and for those who you love.