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RIP Sean Smith.

This has been a rough couple days for many throughout both the EVE universe and around the world. As a part of the team who is usually tasked with messaging both to the EVE community and to the world beyond, it has been a most trying time--fitful nights (including basically learning of this in real time), tough conversations and a lot of tears.

Knowing what an impact Sean Smith had on EVE and its players I am reminded of learning throughout the years of other pilots in EVE being tragically lost and the ripples each of their lives left in the universe. They, and Vile Rat, will be missed terribly--as examples, as friends, as enemies and as fellow gamers.

I crossed paths with Vile only once at Fanfest and several times via Skype chat and CSM interactions, but was continuously impressed with his style, intelligence and ... well, the strange grace with which he handled this serious business of internet spaceships. As many here, I wish I had been able to spend more time with him and to have gotten to know the person who has been described in countless blogs and heartfelt expressions of both sorrow and nostalgia.

I would also like to extend thanks to The Mittani for his words in what is an impossibly difficult situation.

And I would like to thank both the CSM for this guest blog and those who have written rememberences of Sean and helped to carry his legacy. I have been collecting blog posts, videos and images and have been sending them to news outlets who have come knocking on our door--in as respectful a manner as possible.

Your collective words and tributes are the ones that will carry Sean forward, your memories the ones that take a slight edge off of this tragedy.

I'm normally quite verbose, but there's really not much else to say other than thank you New Eden for showing your support, rest in peace Sean Smith and my thoughts are with the family and friends of this great man.

Below are some links that I trust will be worth your while if you have called the EVE universe home for even a fraction of your life. Please evemail me if you know of any more I should include here.

First: Vile's in-game bio. It includes my favorite poem of all time (the Second Coming by WB Yeats) and is just stunningly difficult to reread considering the events of less than 48 hours ago and the message of the poem itself. To me his choice of words there speaks volumes to his personal character.

The Mittani's eloquent words about his friend.
The "Candle" Lighting ceremony held in his honor.

Words by other members of the community.
Seleene
Meissa Anunthiel
Hans Jagerblitzen
Trebor Daehdoow
Mean Harri
..and so many more..

The Nosy Gamer has a well researched post on it all, including many news links (many of which I talked to yesterday) and other community links. The Kotaku piece is particularly well written.

A fitting tribute image by RixxJavix.
The list of an amazing amount of Outposts renamed in Sean's honor.
SMA's video tribute to Vile Rat
A comic by Mjaulm over at SA to honor Sean.
Tarithell's ship renaming
A tribute image from one of many Reddit threads...
...and undoubtedly more...

I do not list these names or links to say one person's grief is greater than another or that the expressions inf these trumps the ways each of us decides to hold our vigil, but to give you the same overwhelming understanding that has only become more apparent to me hour upon hour after hearing this terrible news.

This community is ******* amazing.

So please fly safe., and remember... whenever you shoot a blue....

While I only met Sean once in real life, at Fanfest in March, I consider him a friend, and am incredibly sad that he was taken from us all far too soon. He was a great guy. always quick with a joke, and always willing to listen to others.

While a part of CSM 6 he was always working hard to make the game better for everyone who played it. He was planning to run for CSM 8, and he would have done a fantastic job there. We will all miss him very much.

Edit:

There is a benefit for Sean's wife and kids. If folks want to help them out, please visit http://www.youcaring.com/fundraiser_details?fundraiser_id=9332&url=benefitforseansmithsfamily

RIP Vile Rat.

RIP VR. o7

Tragic, but it fills me with hope to see how supportive the community has been. RIP VR.

RIP - my condolences to his family and friends.

I'm grateful I got to spend time with Sean, both personally and professionally, during his visits to Iceland. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
o7

I hate religion so much some times.

I condolences to those close to him. Losing a loved one is always dreadful, but like this? Terrible.

Any loss is a big loss, rest in peace VR

o7 Vile Rat.

You still owe me a station but i'll shoot a blue for you.

+5 for you where ever you are. (sorry no +10. still a goon :P )

My condolences to his family and kids.