We have, unfortunately, lost a fellow karate ka. Our condolences to the family of 12 year old Andrew Lackey. He was lost in an auto accident trying to save another. He was an asset to our dojo and will be missed.
Sensei’s letter to Mr. Bowles and Mr. Roensch is as follows.
O Sensei-
It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the loss of my student Andrew Lackey who was 12 years of age and was a student training in Shuri-Ryu Karatedo. Andy was a local wrestling champ and made a decision to give up wrestling and focus totally on karate.
The new Gi’s I picked up yesterday, one was for Andy. I was getting ready to start class and thought it odd Andy was not there. A few moments after class begun a family member arrived at the dojo informing us that he was killed in a violent car crash. Deputies from my agency are investigating the crash. Andy was a passenger in the Rear of a Cadillac SUV with 3 other kids 13 YOA. In front were two adults 47 YOA driver and passenger. The driver was operating the vehicle at speeds over 110 MPH.Driver was attempting to scare the kids in the back as the driver lost control Andy removed his seat beat threw his body across the other kids sacrificing his life to save theirs. Both adults in front were killed and Andy was ejected from the vehicle as it flipped end over end multiple times. Andy was pronounced dead on arrival.
Andy was a young man of extraordinary talent fun to teach and always had a smile on his face and loved karate. We memorialize Andy not just as a talented young man but a true hero that sacrificed his life to save three others.
Regards,
George Sheridan
Kyoshi
Chef Instructor Sheridan’s Martial Arts Center
Muncie IN
The following candle was presented to the family on behalf of the dojo and presented at the calling hours.