HOW TO HELP: Community campaign for memorial to young life lost on Beach Drive

On a Friday afternoon two months ago, a young man’s life ended in a car parked on Beach Drive SW alongside Emma Schmitz Overlook. We reported briefly on his death, determined to have been by suicide; those who knew and loved him have maintained a memorial in his honor nearby. And today a friend e-mailed, with his family’s permission, to invite you to support a campaign for a permanent memorial in honor of 20-year-old Miguel Sanchez Sampablo – a bench in a West Seattle park. Ava Olsen says, “As you likely know, the entire community was shaken by the devastating loss of Miguel Sanchez, who was one of our best friends and sweetest souls I have ever met.” Many knew him from his years at Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School, and from his job at Marination Ma Kai, where a benefit was held for his family. Ava says they have already obtained permission from Seattle Parks for the proposed bench. The crowdfunding page that’s been set up is here.

Remember that anyone with thoughts of self-harm can reach the Crisis Clinic 24/7, 206-461-3222.

7 Replies to "HOW TO HELP: Community campaign for memorial to young life lost on Beach Drive"

  • Alki Resident October 13, 2017 (7:56 pm)

    I’m so happy to hear about the bench. The kids need this and his family as well, a place to go and reminisce or cry or laugh. Congratulations, I hope your goal is reached fast . RIP Miguel

  • Citizen Sane October 14, 2017 (8:53 am)

    I was wondering what the impromptu memorial at the park was all about. So sad, but the bench is a lovely way to remember this young man.

  • Love West Seattle October 14, 2017 (7:12 pm)

    When the benches were put in around the mini Statue Of Liberty the Seattle Parks Powers that be did not allow people to engrave “In Memory of” on  any of the benches in Seattle Parks. I would double check to make sure a memorial bench is allowed to have whatever writing the family wants engraved on the park bench. Just to be on the safe side. 

    • WSB October 14, 2017 (7:20 pm)

      Thanks – Ava explained that Parks gave their permission for this despite the memorial-bench program otherwise being temporarily suspended, so it sounds as if they have done all the checking they needed to do before launching this.

  • Love West Seattle October 14, 2017 (7:47 pm)

    Thank you WSB! Happy to hear they have all their ducks in a row. I would just hate to see them or anyone get their hopes up for a memorial bench only to find out that they can not put memorializing words on the bench. 

  • Mark October 14, 2017 (11:13 pm)

    A memorial bench is a nice idea.  

    Curious why does the Parks not allow ” in memory of ” to be used on benches.  If the bench is paid for by a third party this rule appears to make no sense?

  • Admiral mom October 15, 2017 (8:19 am)

    So glad to hear this. Just last week I walked by the impromptu memorial site and saw a sign saying “all flowers and mementos will be discarded by (date), please don’t dig and ruin the grass” or something to that effect. People can be so petty. 

    I look forward to helping this family and community getting a bench in Migue’s memory.

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