Divers found Alex’s body in Long Lake off the shore by the Village around 9:30pm. John Vandervelde had to tell the news to the staff and students when they got back from Presque Isle later that night, and he also had to tell Alex’s family. HoneyRock was obviously hit very hard by this news. It’s the first time we’ve had a death on camp. During breakfast you could have heard a pin drop in the dining hall, which is normally very noisy. I had met Alex over Spring Break, and he was a part of the HoneyRock community. Being in the middle of this community right now I really feel the loss. I’ve always felt like there’s been a supernatural protection around HoneyRock, and it’s been hard to process these events. However, HoneyRock has been amazing during this time. I could literally feel the healing happen as the community pulled together, praising and worshipping God even as much of the staff were sobbing with grief. It’s been exactly a week, and even though the pain still lingers, the student development groups and the Passage students have brought new life and energy.
Read it all and do pray for the family and especially for the memorial service on Monday.
I understand that Mr. Heidengren was an excellent musician. I knew an amazingly gifted man who drowned in a hotel swimming pool many years ago. Of all the “Why, God….?” questions, the loss of these seems most incomprehensible. The only explanation that I can come up with is that the best music belongs in Heaven.
May his family and friends know peace.
Don