Lakeside Vigil Remembers Kennedy Maddox
Just hours after divers recovered his body, Kennedy Maddox's friends came together to grieve the 20-year-old's sudden death.
Dozens of friends, family and former classmates gathered on the shores of Lake Minnetonka at dusk Wednesday evening to console each other and remember 20-year-old Kennedy Maddox, who drowned Tuesday near Big Island.
Oscar Hipp has been friends with Maddox for several years and led a prayer to open the memorial.
"We had a connection more than friends, it was almost like we were brothers," Hipp said, tears running down his face. "I knew he had some troubles in his life, and I think sharing them with me got us really close. It's such an unbelievably tough loss."
Like most at Wednesday's memorial, Hipp said he will remember Maddox for his infectious laugh, easy-going personality and an ability to make friends with just about everyone he came across.
"He could make anyone laugh," he said. "When he walked in the room you would just bust out laughing. He was going to do something man. Whatever it was, he was going to be great at it."
Wesley Long met Maddox during his sophomore year at Minnetonka High School.
"He was in choir, and we were walking down the hall—I was walking next to this girl," Long said. "All of a sudden he started going on a rant, talking about how cool I am, and he didn't even know me. It made me realize that no matter who you are he was there to brighten your day."
Long was out in North Dakota at college when he learned through Twitter that his friend had not resurfaced after jumping off a boat to swim near Big Island.
"I left early and came right home—I couldn't miss this," Long said. "He had such an impact on everyone, and nobody is going to forget that. I'm devestated."
Robert Edmondson
9:59 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Goodnight Kennedy
Given such a noble name.
Taken away much to soon.
Now YOUR eternal flame
shimmers beyond the moon.
I knew not ye but what I can see
Your potential in heaven awaits.
Taken away without a reason some will say.
To never be forgotten is what we all must exclaim.
I lost my brother in that lake,
so very long ago.
A mystery still surrounds that day.
But I have come to grips with it in my own way.
It is your time to sleep now....
Goodnight Kennedy.....goodnight.
Danielle Cabot
11:11 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
I'm so sorry for the community's loss. It's such a beautiful place for something so sad to happen.
Kenneth Williams
11:54 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
WOW, Kennedy and I grew up together. Talked about everything, listened to music together, danced together, went to church together...and now he's gone. I am still in disbelief! I will always remember him, LOVE YOU MAN!
Mark Hugo
2:50 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Kennedy was a great fellow! He needed a little "economic help" last summer. He wouldn't take a $ from me. But I had some project work. He did much of my lawn work, put together a home experimental project for me (that I just didn't have time to assemble the pieces), and helped me clean out the garage and did all my house windows for me. I offered to pay him MUCH MORE than he had originally "needed", he turned it down. What a PRINCE Kennedy was! I'm still crying on and off. What a loss.
Mark Hugo (As Bob Edmonson, another neighborhood friend)
Marty Swalinkavich
7:38 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
My Thoughts and Prayers are with Kennedy and his loving family. Kennedy had a bright future, you could tell, even if you just met him. He was my neighbor for a few years, always a smile, always polite, a true gentleman. I will miss Kennedy ...he was a shooting star in my eyes...Rest In Peace Kennedy.
Michaela Stratton
9:46 pm on Friday, June 29, 2012
http://www.facebook.com/KennedyMaddoxMemorialFund
This is the link you can make donations, or to any Wells Fargo Bank made payable to the "Kennedy Maddox Memorial Fund" If you are unable to make it to Lord Fletchers on Sunday July 1st from 3:00pm-7:00pm
Thanks for EVERYONE who has helped this family in any way!!
Monica
6:09 am on Saturday, June 30, 2012
I will always remember Kennedy's incredible smile and impeccable good manners. His love of Girl Scout Cookies was only rivaled by his Mom and sisters! Wondering if anyone knows if there are any additional arrangements finalized (funeral service)?
Praying for the entire Maddox family-
Monica (neighbor)
donald schaefer
1:09 am on Monday, July 2, 2012
I was lucky enough to meet this young man his freshman year, and run with him on my senior year for the 4X400 in track & field ,.what a great young man he was, and I will never forget him and his attitude, a great, great person we have lost
donald schaefer
1:19 am on Monday, July 2, 2012
also my sympathies for the entire Maddox family,..he was more than just a team mate, to me, he pushed me to be better, and i helped him that 1 year, best i could, incredible athlete, person, and intellectual,