“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” – From an Irish headstone
Tragedy can strike our lives at any time. It really puts life into perspective when faced with things that are out of our control.
I see so many news stories cross my desk that make me take a moment and count my blessings.
The story of Alex Smollins has touched me tremendously.
The information crossed my desk a few weeks ago as an anonymous motorcycle accident. I reported the few facts I had. The most significant details at the time were this young man was a Culver City resident and he lost his life in this tragedy.
All lives are precious. The death of a someone is always sad. But when a 22-year-old dies for no reason, it makes life seem that much more precious.
Alex’s story brought to my mind my uncle Frankie, who also lost his life in a motorcycle accident. He was 26. I don’t remember him, as I was only five, but the memories of those who loved him have kept him alive. Because of that I feel like I do know the person my uncle was to so many.
In the span of a few short days, I would come to know Alex through the people who loved him.
Mike Cohen introduced me to Michael and Karen Smollins, Alex’s parents. They wanted me to know their son was more than just a statistic in an accident report.
Karen Smollins remembered her son at his memorial. “What we have gained from this tragic event is to learn of the love Alex gave back to his friends and community. We had no idea our son was so loved and revered.”
“We knew he had many friends. He had strong and meaningful friendships. This was a Ferris Bueller kid, the glue that stuck to people. He was a true son of Culver City.”
Alex graduated from Culver City High School in 2009. He was on the varsity volleyball team. He received no honors at CCHS, except one. His friends and schoolmates referred to him as the most popular student at school.
At his memorial more than 600 people came to say goodbye to this young man. He touched all in some significant way.
“Alex was a big brother to me,” said Caitlin Bartlett, a friend.
“Wherever he went, he took that infectious smile and warmth with him.”
The investigating police have not yet released the official report. The officers explained to Alex’s parents that because there was a death and potential prosecution, it’s imperative to have the details fully investigated.
The corner of 25th Street and Pico Boulevard, where the accident occurred, has a history of accidents and near accidents. As a result, the Smollins are petitioning Santa Monica to make the corner a right turn only. The police department is evaluating this request.
“He was the kind of kid you’d want to have, because at the end of the day, and his day ended far, far too soon, he left a legacy of love and support that all the kids he knew, and all the adults, as well, will take into their later years,” said Michael Smollins.
“They will live with the knowledge and the respect for Alex, some things for which very few people are blessed to be remembered.”
“There is no greater honor than the respect of your peers, and Alex, was greatly honored after his life. He also had their respect, and was loved and appreciated. There’s nothing his friends wouldn’t have done for him. And vice versa. His short life touched so many. His legacy is his huge heart and his willingness to share it with others,” Smollins added.
“When you are sorrowful look again into your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” – Kahlil Gibran