Today I will have the tough parental job of escorting my son to the funeral Mass of a fellow Boy Scout. It’s an experience that led me to write How To Stay Safe This Summer.
I write this post to honor the memory of Boy Scout John “Reid” Comita.
Reid was an amazing 15-year-old upcoming sophomore and honor student. He was actively involved in his school men’s chorus and the Scouting program.
Just last month Reid, along with my son, completed their Order of the Arrow challenge and became full-fledged members in the Scouting honor society.
Reid is shown here with his father, John.
Reid was close to achieving his Eagle Scout status.
He was finishing a camping merit badge requirement when he passed away from complications of heat stroke.
The hikers were at the remote Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch near Fort Davis in Texas. Temperatures that day were close to 100 degrees. Sadly, due to the remote location, ambulances and other rescue crews could not reach him. By the time a U.S. Border patrol helicopter arrived, it was too late.
I would like to encourage you to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
How You Can Prevent Heat Exhaustion/Stroke:
If you are planning an outing HYDRATE yourself in the days before and take multivitamins. Also hydrate yourself well DURING the outing.
If you FEEL thirsty, you’re already well on the way to dehydration.
The ultimate goal is to NEVER FEEL THIRSTY.
If you begin to show signs of heat exhaustion take the following actions:
If you can not go to a place that is cooler or take a cooling bath/shower, place ice packs or cool compresses in the following locations on the body:
Our pets are also susceptible to heat exhaustion.
A good rule of thumb to remember is that if the pavement is too hot for your bare feet, it is too hot for bare paws.
Several area Boy Scout troops, under the guidance of Reid’s father, plan to complete Reid’s Eagle Scout service project — building a playground at a domestic-violence shelter.
I would like to ask that you please keep this precious family, and all who loved Reid, in your prayers during this difficult time.
Stay safe this summer.
Laura
This is so terribly tragic and sad, Laura. I hope Reid's family, and everyone else affected, feel the power of the prayers surrounding them in the hopes all can heal.
I am so sorry about Reid. Loving prayers sent your way.
Linda
Laura, I have been praying for this family and for your son. It is never easy losing a friend, especially at such a young age. Thank you sharing these tips to avoid heat stroke/exhaustion.
How tragic and so very sad that what started out as a great adventure for a wonderful group of young men turned into something so devastating. Prayers for his family and friends and especially his troop members.
What a lovely tribute for him that they are going to carry on and complete his project as a memorial.
Thank you for posting all the reminders of how to cope with the heat of summer. {{{hugs}}} to your Sweet Young Man and you.
When I saw this on your FB yesterday it broke my heart. It's one of the saddest things I've ever heard, Laura, and I know it must have a profound impact on your son and the other scouts and parents of his troop. Your tribute is beautiful and so, too, is the idea of completing his project.
The information you share is very good and to be honest, new to me. Thanks for that.
This is important information, Laura. Again, I am so very sorry for Reid's family and for all of you who are grieving. I know your heart is heavy as you attend this funeral with your son. Life is so very precious. Hugs to you.
My heart goes out to this family and their community as they cope with this tragic loss. Thank you for sharing. Praying for peace, comfort, and faith for all impacted by this young man's life.
Prayers for this young man's family and all the friends and fellow scouts. I am saddened by this news. My heart hurts for all the family.
What a tragic loss of such a handsome young man. Broken hearted for all, but especially his parents.
I am so sorry. I'm going to share this at my Youth Group this week and next as we are headed out again on another very, very hot mission trip. Thank you for sharing and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
Thanks for this valuable information. My heart goes out to this family.
So very sad. Will remember his family and his scout troop in my prayers. Very good information you have provided in your post. Difficult circumstances no doubt for everyone involved with this young life.
Oh this just breaks this momma's heart. So tragic. It's sad enough when a teen loses their life doing something reckless, this is just beyond. Good kid, good intentions, good roll model. Thank you for sharing good information for your readers. If it prevents just one more tragedy from occurring it will not be in vain. Keeping Reid's family, his scout troop and leaders, and friends in prayer during this very difficult time.
How absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts are with his family. Thank you for pointing out all the signs and solutions. I've experienced it a couple of times and it is scary. Our Boston Panda was susceptible to it and I thank you for the pet advice as well. Ann
Such a sad loss of a young life, Laura! Thank you for sharing the information about heat stroke and heat exhaustion. My heart goes out to Reid's family, friends, and all the Boy Scouts who were his friends and comrades. So good to see that they will complete his Eagle project for him. As the mother of an Eagle Scout I know what that project means. I'm sure Reid's project will be completed with love and used with love by the recipients!
I will pray for Reid's family and friends, especially your Sweet Guy. Such a terrible, terrible thing.
Prayers for all, sweet friend. Hang in there. xo Kathleen
My heart goes out to the family and for all who will miss Reid. I'm sure the other boys are hurting over his lose. What a tragic thing to happen. I'm so sorry. Thank you for the information on heat stroke, not only for people but pets too.
Hugs,
Cecilia
Oh Laura my heart goes out to this family. What a tragic loss of this young man. My sympathy to all who knew and loved Reid! Thank you for posting this great info. With our summer really heating up, it's so important to follow these guidelines. As someone who had heat stroke when I was a teenager, I know the importance.
My prayers for all. God Bless!
Laura,
I am SO, so sorry for your son's loss and for Reid's family. How truly heartbreaking. Prayers, prayers, prayers for you all.
*hugs*
Kelley~
So sorry for your family and the family of this young man. I can't imagine the grief and sorrow. Prayers for all. Thanks for the schematic on heat stroke/exhaustion.
Dear Laura, please know I am praying for you and your son and Reid's family and all who love him. God bless you all. xoxoxox
I am so sorry for this young man, his family, and his friends and fellow scouts. My prayer is that they will be comforted as they walk through this season of grief.
Laura, I saw Reid's story in the news but didn't know until now he was a friend of your son. I am, of course, heartbroken for the family, but I am also praying for Reid's friends. Both of my daughters experienced the loss of friends during their teen years, and I can trace subtle personality changes to those difficult days. Some things just change us… I pray Reid's friends will receive all of the counseling and support they need over the coming months, even years. Reid's death will always be with them. Praying for you, too.
A beautiful tribute To Reid. So tragic. Thank you for sharing this important info.
Oh Laura
I was visiting your blog and saw this post.What an amazing way to honor Reid and his family by publishing the warning signs. Funerals are awful and when we attend one for children, and those of our children, it is all more devastating.
Will pray for Reid's family. laura@notatrophywife.com