Not sure if anyone's aware, but there is some very sad news to report about a long-time and well known GBB member, a member who last posted on the boards just a few months back.

22 yr old Don Colletti (aka Austin Bice), was discovered dead by authorities in Madrid, Spain on March 8th. His final post here on February 18th highlighted his study abroad trip to Madrid. I know some of us stayed in touch with Austin through facebook, but I only heard this awful news a few days ago after noticing one of his friends post condolences on his wall.

He was a young man full of life who seemed to have the entire world in his hands. This is such a shame.

www.austinbice.com

OMG!!

He was a Facebook friend, but I never knew... checking up on it now. What a shame, so young -- and so sad!

Ice, please start a new thread about this. Not many may remember, but I should start an IN MEMORIAM section one of these days now that we've lost at least 2 members

I'm deeply saddened to learn of Austin's death.

He was an early member (April, 2002) here on the Boards and he was truly a gentle soul, belying his giant size (he was a BIG man, standing about 6'5" and 280 pounds). He spoke often of his love of football (playing it) and of movies.

He looked nothing like his avatar (of Sylvester Stallone) but that is how I'll remember him.

R.I.P. Austin; You're gone way too soon.

Very Sad. RIP.

Here's a picture that Austin posted a few years ago. He called it one of his best football games ever (he's on the left):




His last post on the boards came on February 18th (of this year). He went listed as "missing" some seven days later.

What a horrible tragedy. And only 22, with his whole life ahead of him.

And according to the news story linked to his website, authorities in Spain still have no idea what really happened.

Incredibly sad.

Signor V.

Oh man. So sad. This a testament to the real feelings of friendship that abound on this board. Even though we don't physically meet someone, you feel a connection and sense of loss when they're gone. My sympathies to his family and friends.

After hearing this story, I just realized I saw this on the news when it happened. Not knowing people's real names I had no idea this was him. I remember when they found him. This is such a tragedy.

Really? Yes, I remember Don Colletti. If I remember correctly he was from California (Orange County I think? Although by the link maybe San Diego?)

He was always very nice and seemed like a likeable kid. He hadn't posted in a while but he would always pop in every now and then even just to say hello.

I am so sorry to hear of his passing. And, so very young. How sad. My prayers to his family and thank you Ice for letting us know.

Ice, do they know what caused his death?

TIS

I don't know if they every found a cause of death, or reported it. Here's a link I found with "5 Facts about Austin Bice".

http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/08/austin-bice-5-facts-about-the-san-diego-state-student-found-dea/

Here is another link that says possibly heart failure or drowning.

http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/stor...1YLlHjMAEg.cspx

Thanks Beth! How tragic. I can't even imagine the pain the family feels. I wish there were a guest book for condolences. Not that anyone would now me from Adam, but I feel the need to express my condolences. This just makes me SO sad.


RIP Austin


TIS

There are a couple facebook pages people set up. You could go on there and write something. Not sure if the family reads it.

How sad.

Sometimes I forget just how young some of our members are. I feel just awful for Austin's parents (and of course for Austin himself).

RIP

I've been reading over the links posted here. What a handsome young man! And from reading his posts over the years, he was very sweet, too. I think the part that got me was reading his last post and knowing how much he was loving his trip, and then reading that his father was in Spain searching for him just a short time later.

God bless his family, and give them them strength. As I know I've mentioned before, this is every parent's ultimate nightmare, and I can't imagine their anguish.

I echo everyone's sentiments here. God bless his family.

Tragic news.

RIP..

His last post on Facebook was Feb 25th, and all he wrote was "24 hours" and I can't tell what he meant by that. Scarily, he went missing the next day.

Some links from his Facebook wall:

"Hey Austin" by Teneia Sanders (very touching)



Austin Bice Photo Gallery -- He was only 13 when he joined the BB, and his 7th Grade photo is there.

March 14: Memorial for SDSU Student Austin Bice to be Held Sunday

March 23: Bice memorial service uplifting, but darker questions remain

I really don't know what to say...

My thoughts and most deep felt condolences are with the family.

Wow...rest in peace, Austin.

I'm very sorry for Austin and his family. I rember him from years ago--a very nice, very gentle, very young man. I remember being surprised, when seeing his photo in "what we look like," that someone so young posted so thoughtfully.

Terrible news.

I messaged him and a few others on Facebook on March 8, regarding a meet-up in London this summer; I did wonder why he never replied, but hadn't heard the news till now.

Sadly I didn't get to know him on these boards. Condolences to his family and friends. It's sad to see someone die so young.

I just saw this thread - I feel terrible for his family for such a tragic loss. I too have a habit of thinking that people that post on this forum look like their avatar, so in my mind he is Stallone. May he rest in peace and his family find strength and peace.

Wow, haven't been on here for some time and sad to see something like this. I remember Don Colletti years ago when I was a regular on here. Good guy.

I was a close friend.

His website:
http://www.austinbice.com

Very sad news. Especially because of his age.

Guy writes "24 Hours" on his Facebook wall and he's gone the next day. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that probably means something.

That "guy" has a name. He was Don Colletti to us, Austin to his family and other friends.

You may not have known him but don't call him "guy".

I meant no disrespect SC, but I did not know him. That's the only reason why I referred to him as "guy". It seems like most of you here knew him or at least interacted with him a little bit. I don't remember talking to him. My condolences go out to his family.

All the more reason to not refer to Austin as, "guy".

When you talk about someone who recently died to his friends and acquaintances you should, at least, show enough respect and personalize your comment(s).