Jake Ehlinger found dead near campus

[realgreggym 838]

18 hours ago, Blackcat00 said:

Riverbend is a beautiful venue for a ceremony of life. I expect Jake to have one hell of a send off. Lost a teammate and best friend of mine in 2009 at the age of 28 from cardiomyopathy running on a treadmill and his service was held there. 

Was one week away from completing his 5th stage of selection in Fayetteville SC as a communications specialist Green Beret (special forces) I found out the morning tailgating the Sergio Kindle Tech game. 

Think about him daily and miss the hell out of our times watching and tailgating Texas football games here in Austin. Was devastated but blessed to have had such a loyal friendship like that in my life.  

Blackcat, when something like this happens, it rips your heart out. I have lost several teammates but the first one

was a year or two out of college. It was a horrible accident and the circumstances were beyond horrible. Like you,

I think about him and the others every day. Its something that you never get over.

[Horn80 6361]

As an Army kid, I remember about once a month some kid in my school lost their dad in combat in Vietnam.  I was about 10 years old (1968) but it  left an ever lasting impression on how happiness can change so quickly.  Never will forget the day my good friend told me his dad got killed when his helicopter got shot down.  

[Funk Doctor Spock 13287]

22 hours ago, NorthLoop said:

This thread has made me realize that I've lived a very charmed life. It makes me feel guilty, thankful, and scared as fuck all at the same time. God bless all of you who have experienced this kind of tragedy.  

For sure. At the end of the day we're all humans with emotions who've had blessings and losses. Even though we have juvenile humor on here, we all band together to take care of our own, and even fans of other teams. This place really is like no other. 

[Nicole44 22326]

It’s a great place. It has gotten me through many a difficult time. I’m truly grateful we have this forum. 
 

Many years ago, my aunt (who is now suffering from dementia at 70–diagnosed two years ago) and uncle lived in Carrollton. Their neighbors lost both of their sons, in two separate incidents, very close in time. They were similar in age to Jake and Sam.

The oldest son was killed in a traffic accident. The youngest son was the last person (body) pulled from the bonfire collapse at ATM. My aunt and uncle had given the youngest son an aggy keychain for his high school graduation. 
 

I was able to visit with my aunt and uncle this weekend, as I try very hard to see my aunt as much as I can before she stops remembering who I am. Most of the posters know I lost my dad to a sudden heart attack in his sleep in the middle of our MNC season, so my aunt was a huge part of my life since then. 
 

My uncle and I were talking about Jake’s sudden passing and he was reflecting on his former neighbors and their loss of their two sons so close together. He told me when their youngest was finally dug out from the bonfire they found the keychain that my aunt and uncle had given him in his pocket. He said that he honestly did not know how the parents got through losing both kids. 
 

God Bless all of you who have dealt with so much. You are not alone. Peace and comfort to you. My thoughts and prayers are with y’all and with the Ehlinger family. 

[DalTxHornFan 3130]

1 hour ago, Horn80 said:

As an Army kid, I remember about once a month some kid in my school lost their dad in combat in Vietnam.  I was about 10 years old (1968) but it  left an ever lasting impression on how happiness can change so quickly.  Never will forget the day my good friend told me his dad got killed when his helicopter got shot down.  

Yep.  I'll never forget my Cub Scout Den Mother showing us the helmet of her newly deceased helicopter pilot husband and father of one of my fellow Cub Scouts.

[closetohumping 17823]

On 5/8/2021 at 5:25 PM, hookem48 said:

An old girlfriend of mine was 12 when she lost her mother to a heart attack, her dad was working off shore, they immediately flew him in and while waiting for him to get back to town the call came that he died in a car wreck. Her only sibling an older brother who was 14 at the time hung himself years later. Life can be really fucked up.

Good God.  Not trying to one up you, as I'm not sure if that's possible.  But a good friend of mine's brother died in the 8th grade.  Idk if his parents ever got over it as about 30 years later, the father killed his mom and then committed suicide.  Fucked up.

[Mano Cornuda 38]

I’m a never poster but I was a Naval Aviator for a decade and I’ve been to too many memorial services over the years. One resonated with me because it was so pure and simple -  I’m not religious or overtly Christian. 
 

Micah 6:8 - (I’m paraphrasing) And what does God require of you as a man? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your god. 
 

I hope Jake was a just, merciful, and humble person. I believe he was, and if there’s something beyond that’s good that he has found it. 

[Bama Llama 1508]

Paying my respects to Sam, Mrs. Ehlinger, Jake's other family and friends, and Longhorns around the world.  May something good come out of this.

[Nivek 17420]

On 5/7/2021 at 5:41 PM, Rimbo said:

Not the day after. But two weeks after.

Don't tell me what to do!

Debbie died Dec. 28th, 2016.  Carrie died Dec. 27th, 2016.

 

[927 E. 41st 1124]

I have prayed often that God would spare me from such a loss. I don’t know how you deal with it. 
About five years ago I saw a man on TV that had lost his 20 year old daughter. The local reporter asked how he felt. I  momentarily had the thought of “what a stupid question, how do you think he feels”. Then he changed my outlook for the rest of my life.
He said “if before she was born God had come to me and said you can have her, but only for 20 years, I would have said send her on to us.

He just looked like a regular guy, maybe a farmer or rancher but it seems to me he possesses powerful wisdom.

[BrickTop 487]

My apologies meant no disrespect

[closetohumping 17823]

@BrickTop I'd go ahead and delete that.

[Herbie Hancock 7499]

Dude why the fuck do you people continue to post rumors? What the fuck good does that do? Do you have such a sense of self importance that you have to post unfounded rumors in hopes of being able to say “see I told you so!!”. Jesus fuck man what is wrong with some of you

[BrickTop 487]

Dude why the fuck do you people continue to post rumors? What the fuck good does that do? Do you have such a sense of self importance that you have to post unfounded rumors in hopes of being able to say “see I told you so!!”. Jesus fuck man what is wrong with some of you

Yes dickhead I have such a sense of self importance that I try to share information, it’s dickheads like you that are a part of the reason shit like this still occurs because people don’t understand how dangerous it is and are afraid to talk about it

[Herbie Hancock 7499]

Yes dickhead I have such a sense of self importance that I try to share information, it’s dickheads like you that are a part of the reason shit like this still occurs because people don’t understand how dangerous it is and are afraid to talk about it

Oh go fuck yourself you self righteous blow hard. You aren’t doing any fucking good. And even if your speculation is correct, it does exactly fuck all to get it out there a few days before the coroner does. So take a step back and fuck yourself in the face you fucking cunt.

[BrickTop 487]

Oh go fuck yourself you self righteous blow hard. You aren’t doing any fucking good. And even if your speculation is correct, it does exactly fuck all to get it out there a few days before the coroner does. So take a step back and fuck yourself in the face you fucking cunt.

Yea dude the coroner will release cause of death to the public do you even know what the fuck you’re talking about? Seriously man maybe try acting like closetohumping who sent me a cordial message asking to me to take it down which I promptly did instead of going on the attack like the bitch you are. I know you fancy yourself a steroid expert maybe consider dialing back on the gear you fucking incel

[Helobious 9824]

A death like this, people are always going to speculate. It’s dumb and it’s not right but it’ll happen. No sense in getting deeply offended or butthurt about it. 

[BurntOrange&White 41963]

Just now, Helobious said:

A death like this, people are always going to speculate. It’s dumb and it’s not right but it’ll happen. No sense in getting deeply offended or butthurt about it. 

This. 

[TreatyOak 17404]

It's incredibly sad that Riverbend Church hosted a similar service for former Chap Jackson Coker just over one month ago. 

[DonkeyCigars 143]

6 minutes ago, Helobious said:

A death like this, people are always going to speculate. It’s dumb and it’s not right but it’ll happen. No sense in getting deeply offended or butthurt about it. 

Exactly; and nothing is being done to slow the rumor mill, so you have people going crazy.

[TwiceHorn 32092]

7 minutes ago, Helobious said:

A death like this, people are always going to speculate. It’s dumb and it’s not right but it’ll happen. No sense in getting deeply offended or butthurt about it. 

This is true.  But inasmuch as this is a public forum, where Ehlingers or those close to them could read such things, it is better to refrain and avoid being hurtful.

[Nicole44 22326]

The olds (my mom included) are the worst. Any time anyone (particularly in their age group passes away) always two questions: “How old was ...?” And “How did they die?” Every time. My Papa was the same way. 
 

Just wanted to lighten the mood a bit. 
 

🤘🏼🤘🏼🧡🧡🤘🏼🤘🏼
 

If there is a greater public concern perhaps we will learn more but I am content to let that rest with the Ehlinger family. I despise rumors. If the family decides to make his COD public that’s their choice and if anything is released it certainly will be discussed. If not here, elsewhere.
 

My heart aches for his family. 

[stork642 4511]

1 hour ago, 927 E. 41st said:

I have prayed often that God would spare me from such a loss. I don’t know how you deal with it. 
About five years ago I saw a man on TV that had lost his 20 year old daughter. The local reporter asked how he felt. I  momentarily had the thought of “what a stupid question, how do you think he feels”. Then he changed my outlook for the rest of my life.
He said “if before she was born God had come to me and said you can have her, but only for 20 years, I would have said send her on to us.

He just looked like a regular guy, maybe a farmer or rancher but it seems to me he possesses powerful wisdom.

Not sure anything would allow me to handle the loss of my child but this outlook is the only possible way I think I could process such a horrific event.  We just get caught up in life and sometimes forget how fragile it is and appreciate the time we have even if it’s short.  

Edited May 10, 2021 by stork642

[Wulaw Horn 19598]

4 hours ago, 927 E. 41st said:

I have prayed often that God would spare me from such a loss. I don’t know how you deal with it. 
About five years ago I saw a man on TV that had lost his 20 year old daughter. The local reporter asked how he felt. I  momentarily had the thought of “what a stupid question, how do you think he feels”. Then he changed my outlook for the rest of my life.
He said “if before she was born God had come to me and said you can have her, but only for 20 years, I would have said send her on to us.

He just looked like a regular guy, maybe a farmer or rancher but it seems to me he possesses powerful wisdom.

What an incredible sentiment.

Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will return. The lord gave and the lord taketh away- blessed be the name of the lord.
 

I marvel at anyone who can face such profound adversity and respond in such a way. Prayers can’t do justice what those guys have to deal with again. 

[futureman 22709]

3 hours ago, Nicole44 said:

The olds (my mom included) are the worst. Any time anyone (particularly in their age group passes away) always two questions: “How old was ...?” And “How did they die?” Every time. My Papa was the same way. 

love it or hate it it’s perfectly natural to wonder those things and ask those questions in the company of those close to you. 

[Red Five 41765]

38 minutes ago, Wulaw Horn said:

Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will return.

That probably could have been phrased a little better. 

[Wulaw Horn 19598]

14 minutes ago, Red Five said:

That probably could have been phrased a little better. 

I didn’t write it. Every translation has it the same more or less. 

[mininghorn88 2338]

4 hours ago, stork642 said:

Not sure anything would allow me to handle the loss of my child but this outlook is the only possible way I think I could process such a horrific event.  We just get caught up in life and sometimes forget how fragile it is and appreciate the time we have even if it’s short.  

It is difficult to know exactly how people will respond.  I had an aunt that passed away this past January at the age of 82. She had seven children. 3 boys and 4 girls.  She was preceded in death by all three sons and her husband.

The youngest son died in an industrial accident at the age of 30 in 1996. About 2-1/2 years (1998) later she lost her husband to a heart attack at the age of 61.  11 months later (1999) her oldest son, 43 years old, was shot and killed by an armed assailant breaking into his (my cousin's) place of business.  My cousin's son was also shot during the robbery and is paralyzed from the waist down.  Lastly, her middle son committed suicide at the age of 46 in 2005.

I was very close to the youngest as we were the same age.  As a family we were always doing stuff together.  I never knew my aunt to be a very religious woman but once these events started to occur she really threw herself into her faith.  She realized that she could not get through this alone and knew that she needed the power of the God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit to get her through the most difficult of times.

 

[Rimbo 27068]

9 hours ago, Nivek said:

Debbie died Dec. 28th, 2016.  Carrie died Dec. 27th, 2016.

 

... huh. For some reason, I remember there being a longer time in-between

[B00M 6735]

5 hours ago, Helobious said:

A death like this, people are always going to speculate. It’s dumb and it’s not right but it’ll happen. No sense in getting deeply offended or butthurt about it. 

Unless its Wanker Bob, who everyone outside the CR hated. Fuck that guy to bolivia

[freyguy 4368]

I'm not up in arms over folks' speculation, it's the natural progression of things.  And noone here is bombarding the family, their privacy is being respected. 

He passed away, as as grown adult, in his own apartment, so there may not even be a requirement for an autopsy.  And if there is, the family can choose to keep the conclusions sealed.

I've too heard what it likely was from a tad more reliable sources than Surly (sorry guys).  If it ends up being true, it doesn't diminish the tragedy of losing someone full of promise.  It actually reinforces the need for us to bring it out in the open.  So let's not bash people for furthering the discussion.  Shiva may not be over for everyone, but there's bad shit out there that needs addressing folks.

[smwhorn 485]

27 minutes ago, freyguy said:

I'm not up in arms over folks' speculation, it's the natural progression of things.  And noone here is bombarding the family, their privacy is being respected. 

He passed away, as as grown adult, in his own apartment, so there may not even be a requirement for an autopsy.  And if there is, the family can choose to keep the conclusions sealed.

I've too heard what it likely was from a tad more reliable sources than Surly (sorry guys).  If it ends up being true, it doesn't diminish the tragedy of losing someone full of promise.  It actually reinforces the need for us to bring it out in the open.  So let's not bash people for furthering the discussion.  Shiva may not be over for everyone, but there's bad shit out there that needs addressing folks.

I'm going to have to agree with this take.  Regardless of the cause, the loss of this young man is tragic and heartbreaking.  I have heard ZERO about the cause and it really isn't any of my business.  If, once known, addressing the cause can help others, and prevent even one other death from the same cause, then address it and learn from it.  

RIP Jake.  

[Hate 20250]

1 hour ago, B00M said:

Unless its Wanker Bob, who everyone outside the CR hated. Fuck that guy to bolivia

Wait, Wanker Bob is well liked in the cloakroom?

[BurntOrange&White 41963]

5 minutes ago, Hate said:

Wait, Wanker Bob is well liked in the cloakroom?

Doesn’t matter how you are as a poster. Just choose far left/right and you get a following in that shit hole. 

[NeverMarryAStripper 22313]

So any rational person will get neg bombed out of existence?

[BurntOrange&White 41963]

6 minutes ago, NeverMarryAStripper said:

So any rational person will get neg bombed out of existence?

Look man, there isn’t rational existence in there. 

[USNALonghorn 5190]

30 minutes ago, Hate said:

Wait, Wanker Bob is well liked in the cloakroom?

That says more about CR than it does about WB.

Edited May 11, 2021 by USNALonghorn

[Hate 20250]

5 minutes ago, USNALonghorn said:

That says more about CR than it does about WB.

This exactly.

[Royale with cheese 1493]

15 minutes ago, USNALonghorn said:

That says more about CR than it does about WB.

Man, they be some crazy motherfuckers in that place. WB included.

[1bigtx 129]

There will not be a dry eye in the room after The Eyes of Texas is played.

[Telegraph_it 3379]

22 minutes ago, 1bigtx said:

There will not be a dry eye in the room after The Eyes of Texas is played.

[Murfdogg21 4573]

1 hour ago, 1bigtx said:

There will not be a dry eye in the room after The Eyes of Texas is played.

Gonna get awkward towards the end

[markstanco 12804]

Thread is getting long. Any cause of death from REAL authorities?

His dad died swimming in an iron man. Enlarged heart? Other issues?

[Cairn Horn88 8502]

33 minutes ago, markstanco said:

Thread is getting long. Any cause of death from REAL authorities?

His dad died swimming in an iron man. Enlarged heart? Other issues?

All in due time.

[shadow_operative 15932]

2 hours ago, markstanco said:

Thread is getting long. Any cause of death from REAL authorities?

His dad died swimming in an iron man. Enlarged heart? Other issues?

there are people here who know what happened, and there are other people here who do not want those people posting this "speculation" about what happened, as they fear that it will tarnish Jake's name or legacy or something. to be totally honest i can't relate to these people/their concerns, and i therefore don't fully understand the folks who are getting so upset every time someone mentions what happened. we know what caused his death. i doubt i need to explicitly post it for you to figure it out. and frankly, if there were ever a site where i thought people could handle talking about this subject, i thought it would be this one. 

now i can only post from my own POV, and so again, from where i sit, i just don't even understand the consternation and hand wringing over discussing how he died. how he died has nothing to do with how he lived his life, or who he was/what he meant to people. many of my former students and their families were friends of Jake's and his family, and *everything* i have learned about this kid in the last few days shows that he was nothing but a bright light in the lives of those who knew him. the kind of guy who always had a smile on his face, and who was quick to put a smile on the faces of those around him. even in the UT locker room, surrounded by all stars and future pros, the people around him looked up to him and wanted to be more like him. a truly special individual who was beloved by all. how he died does nothing to change or diminish any of that. 

Edited May 11, 2021 by shadow_operative

[shadow_operative 15932]

and just to clarify what i meant in my last post when i said that i didn't (don't) understand the folks who are getting upset, here's why: he wasn't committing a violent crime; he wasn't robbing people, or thieving, or killing, or anything like that. he wasn't even doing anything that the vast majority of us haven't done (or at least the equivalent) when we were his age. hell, many of us still are doing these things. it has nothing to do with your character or your heart or the way you live your life and treat people. the fact that so many people still have such severe hang ups in regards to even talking about this stuff IS a part of the problem. this thread may not be the place to hash out that particular subject, but the stigma that's being perpetuated here sadly only makes things worse. 

Edited May 11, 2021 by shadow_operative

[XOVERX 5]

On these days of our collective sorrow, Jake’s tragic and untimely demise reminds us of our own fragility, and inspires us to provide love to our family and community while the pulse of life flows within us.

Edited May 11, 2021 by XOVERX

[Coelenterate Fuccboi 13436]

7 hours ago, shadow_operative said:

he wasn't even doing anything that the vast majority of us haven't done

Is it inappropriate to make a joke about South Austin’s mom at this juncture? Asking for a friend.

Edited May 11, 2021 by Coelenterate Fuccboi
?

[South Austin 53235]

1 hour ago, Coelenterate Fuccboi said:

Is it inappropriate to make a joke about South Austin’s mom at this juncture. Asking for a friend.

Is it ever inappropriate on this site?

[Longboard Horn 41371]