Author: Admin

Massacre on Calm Waters: The Tragedy That Shook Smith Lake

Before the sun dared to rise over the still, glassy surface of Smith Lake, the darkness shattered—not with light, but with a scream of tearing metal and a thunderous crash that echoed across the water. Two boats collided at high speed, and in the eerie silence that followed, the lake bore witness to one of its deadliest tragedies in recent memory.

By the time first light touched the water, three lives had already slipped beneath its depths.

Joey Broom, 58, a lifelong local and seasoned boater, died instantly. His modest fishing vessel was no match for the bass boat that struck it—an instrument of speed and precision turned deadly projectile. Witnesses describe the sound as something between a freight train and a lightning strike. By the time nearby residents reached the shoreline, all they could see was debris and drifting wreckage.

The bass boat belonged to Flint Davis, a name well-known on the professional angling circuit. Davis, 34, had been training for an upcoming regional tournament—one he’d been favored to win. But that morning, he wasn’t chasing trophies; he was clawing his way out of the freezing black water, bloodied and broken, his cries the only confirmation of life amid the chaos.

“I thought it was a log at first, a big one,” Davis later said, barely audible through a cracked voice and fractured ribs. “Then it was too late. I never saw them until… until it was over.”

Joey Broom wasn’t alone on the lake that morning. Two others were aboard with him—longtime fishing friends who had made it a Saturday tradition to cast lines before the sunrise. As of now, their names have not been released, but neither has surfaced since the crash. Dive teams, aided by sonar and underwater drones, have been scanning the lake’s depths around the clock, hoping against hope for a miracle—or at least, for answers.

The calmness of Smith Lake—once a comfort to locals and visitors alike—now feels haunted. Yellow tape flutters from the docks like prayer flags. Every lapping wave feels like an echo of what happened here, a silent cry for justice, for closure.

“This wasn’t just an accident,” said Marla Jenkins, Joey’s niece, standing beside a growing lakeside memorial of candles, flowers, and folded fishing caps. “Someone was reckless. Someone made a choice that ended lives.”

Preliminary investigations support what many are already whispering—excessive speed, failure to follow boating safety protocol, and possibly even impairment. The lake, typically serene at that hour, had become a battleground of human error and high-powered machinery.

But beyond the investigation and the headlines, it’s the families who are left with the deepest wounds. A daughter without a father. A wife without a husband. Friends missing friends. An entire town left to reconcile the surreal with the sorrowful.

The Department of Natural Resources has vowed a full inquiry, and local lawmakers are already calling for tighter regulations on recreational boating, especially in low-visibility hours. Curfews, speed restrictions, and mandatory navigation lights are now central to the debate.

Still, no law can reverse what happened before dawn that morning.

For those who knew Joey Broom, he was more than a name on a police report. He was a storyteller, a man who could catch catfish with a bent paperclip, and someone who always brought extra sandwiches to share. His loss ripples outward, touching not just blood relatives but an entire lakeside community that’s now missing a piece of itself.

As the sun finally rose over Smith Lake that fateful day, it cast light on a nightmare. And now, as the sun sets night after night, it does so over a lake that holds not just fish and memories—but ghosts.

The water will calm again. The wind will return. But Smith Lake won’t forget.

Not this time.

In Loving Memory of Lena Rimson

A Gentle Spirit, A Beautiful Life Gone Too Soon

With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the untimely passing of Lena Rimson, a beloved 41-year-old resident of Cheyenne, Wyoming, who tragically lost her life in a head-on collision on Interstate 25. The news of her sudden departure has sent a wave of grief through her family, friends, and all who were touched by her warm presence and unwavering kindness.

Lena was the embodiment of compassion and sincerity—a woman whose gentle spirit radiated warmth and whose smile could light up even the darkest days. She lived a life anchored in love, integrity, and an unshakable belief in the goodness of others. Her passing has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew her best, and her memory will forever be held close in their hearts.

Born and raised in Wyoming, Lena was deeply connected to her community and proud of her Cheyenne roots. She carried the values of hard work, kindness, and resilience with her in everything she did. Whether lending a helping hand to a neighbor, offering an encouraging word to a friend in need, or volunteering her time for local causes, Lena was known for showing up for others—quietly, humbly, and consistently.

To her family, Lena was the heart of their world. A loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, she held each relationship with great care and intention. She was the one who remembered birthdays, made time for late-night calls, and always had a listening ear. Her home was a place of comfort and laughter, where stories were shared over cups of tea and memories were created in the everyday moments. Her absence is deeply felt and her presence deeply missed.

Lena also had an incredible gift of connection. She made people feel seen and heard. In a fast-moving world, she was someone who genuinely slowed down to ask how you were—and truly meant it. That rare quality left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. From coworkers to lifelong friends, from casual acquaintances to those she considered family, Lena had the ability to make people feel valued and loved.

She loved the simple joys in life: a walk under Wyoming’s endless sky, a well-tended garden, an afternoon curled up with a good book, or time spent surrounded by loved ones. Her laughter—gentle and sincere—was contagious, and her spirit had a way of making people feel at peace. She was the kind of person whose legacy isn’t measured in material things, but in the love and light she left behind in others.

The tragic accident on Interstate 25 has left her community in mourning and serves as a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be. But even in this unimaginable loss, Lena’s legacy remains strong—etched into the hearts of those she touched. Her memory lives on in acts of kindness, in moments of stillness, in the beauty of nature, and in the way we care for one another.

As we grieve, let us also celebrate Lena’s life—one filled with quiet courage, sincere compassion, and a deep love for those around her. Let us honor her by living a little more like she did: with intention, with kindness, and with an open heart.

To Lena’s loved ones: please know that you are surrounded by a community that shares in your sorrow. You are not alone. May you find comfort in each other, in the stories you share, and in the beautiful life Lena lived. May her memory be a guiding light through this dark time.

Rest peacefully, Lena Rimson. Your time here may have been too short, but the love you gave and the lives you touched will echo on forever.

In Loving Memory of Jasmine Barbuto

A Life of Compassion, Devotion, and Healing

With great sorrow and aching hearts, we announce the passing of Jasmine Barbuto, a devoted nurse, loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend who tragically passed away in Florida due to cardiac arrest that resulted in irreversible brain damage. Jasmine’s unexpected departure has sent waves of grief through her family, friends, and the entire healthcare community, who knew her not only for her skill and professionalism, but for her deep well of compassion and love.

Jasmine dedicated her life to the service of others. As a nurse, she was more than just a caregiver—she was a healer in the truest sense. Whether it was holding a patient’s hand during a difficult procedure or staying late to ensure a family had the answers they needed, Jasmine gave more than what was required. She gave her heart. She brought peace to those in pain, comfort to those in fear, and a sense of dignity to those in their most vulnerable moments. To be in Jasmine’s care was to be treated with the utmost respect, kindness, and humanity.

Outside of her role in the hospital, Jasmine was a deeply committed wife and mother. Her family was the anchor of her world, and she poured every ounce of her strength and love into making sure they felt supported, safe, and cherished. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth—a place where laughter was shared freely, love was spoken daily, and her presence was a calming, nurturing force that held everything together.

Her children, who were the light of her life, carry forward her legacy of kindness and strength. Jasmine was their role model, their biggest cheerleader, and their constant in a world full of change. She instilled in them values of empathy, determination, and resilience—lessons they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

To her husband, Jasmine was not only a partner but a soulmate. Their bond was one built on trust, mutual respect, and unwavering support. Together, they weathered life’s storms and celebrated its many joys. Her love was fierce and unyielding, and it will remain a guiding light for him in the days and years to come.

Jasmine also touched the lives of countless friends and extended family. She had a unique ability to make people feel seen, heard, and valued. Her friendships were built on sincerity, her conversations on attentiveness, and her loyalty was never in doubt. She was the kind of friend who remembered the little things, who showed up when it mattered most, and who never hesitated to lend a helping hand or a listening ear.

The news of Jasmine’s sudden passing has sent ripples of sorrow through the broader nursing and healthcare community in Florida and beyond. Her colleagues speak of her not only with admiration, but with genuine affection. She was a mentor to many, an encourager to all, and a true inspiration in an often difficult profession. Her absence is deeply felt by those who worked beside her, who learned from her, and who depended on her calming presence during the most critical moments.

While words cannot fully capture the depth of this loss, they can help preserve the memory of Jasmine Barbuto’s extraordinary life. Let us remember her for the love she gave so freely, for the lives she touched so deeply, and for the legacy she leaves behind—a legacy built on compassion, courage, and an unwavering commitment to care.

To Jasmine’s family, we extend our deepest sympathies. May you feel surrounded by the love of the many lives she touched. May her memory be a blessing, her life a light that never dims, and her story one that inspires others to live with the same grace and generosity that she so effortlessly embodied.

Let us take a moment to reflect, to remember, and to honor Jasmine. And let us keep her family in our hearts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.

In Loving Memory of Dathan Ross Drummond – Forever in Our Hearts

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we share the passing of Dathan Ross Drummond, a beloved son, father, friend, and community member of Blackwater, Queensland. Dathan’s life, though tragically cut short, was one of vibrancy, warmth, and unconditional love. He passed away just as he reached his 30th birthday—a milestone that should have marked new beginnings. Instead, we gather to remember and celebrate the incredible impact he made in such a short time.

Dathan was a bright light in the lives of all who knew him. With a kind heart and infectious laughter that could lift anyone’s spirits, he was the kind of person who left a lasting impression after even a brief conversation. His genuine nature and ability to find joy in everyday moments made him a rare soul, one whose absence is already deeply felt by many.

A proud father to two beautiful daughters, Dathan’s life revolved around his girls. They were his everything—his motivation, his joy, and his greatest accomplishment. He poured his love into them wholeheartedly, working tirelessly to provide and care for their every need. He was more than a father; he was their hero, their protector, and their greatest supporter. His legacy will live on in their hearts and through the love he instilled in them.

Dathan’s hardworking spirit was evident to all who knew him. Whether on the job, helping out a mate, or lending a hand in the community, he gave his all. He never shied away from a challenge, often taking on more than was asked without hesitation or complaint. That determination and resilience were part of what made him so admired and respected.

To his family, Dathan was a cornerstone. A loving son, a supportive brother, and a loyal friend, he was always there when it mattered most. He had an intuitive way of knowing when someone needed help—or simply a laugh. His cheeky grin and easygoing nature made him a joy to be around, and his compassion touched many lives in both big and small ways.

As we mourn the tragic loss of such a beautiful soul, we also remember the joy he brought into our lives. The backyard barbecues, the laughter shared on the job site, the quiet moments with his daughters—these memories now serve as treasured reminders of the man we were lucky to know.

The community of Blackwater stands together in this time of grief, united by love and loss. Let us honor Dathan’s legacy by supporting his daughters and family in any way we can, wrapping them in compassion and care as they navigate the days ahead. Grief may be the price we pay for love, but it is also a testament to the depth of that love. And Dathan was deeply loved.

To Dathan’s family—please know that you are not alone. Your community mourns with you, stands with you, and holds you close. We send our deepest condolences and keep you in our hearts and prayers.

Rest in peace, Dathan Ross Drummond. Your memory will shine on in the hearts of all who loved you, and your legacy will live through the beautiful daughters you leave behind. You are gone too soon, but never forgotten.

In Loving Memory of Sally Anne Wheeler, 74 – A Cherished Life in Western North Carolina

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Sally Anne Wheeler, a beloved member of the Western North Carolina community, who tragically lost her life in an accident at the age of 74. Her unexpected departure has left an unfillable void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Sally Anne was more than just a resident of Western North Carolina—she was a shining light, a kind soul, and a source of wisdom and comfort to those around her. Born and raised with a deep love for the Appalachian landscape, she made her home among the rolling hills and close-knit towns of this region. Over the years, she became a treasured neighbor, a loyal friend, and a steadfast supporter of the local community.

Known for her warm smile, generous spirit, and unwavering kindness, Sally Anne had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcome and valued. She was the kind of person who remembered birthdays, checked in on elderly neighbors, and always had a hot cup of tea ready for anyone who needed a listening ear. Her presence brought a calm and grace that will be sorely missed.

Sally Anne was also deeply involved in her church and several community organizations, where she volunteered countless hours. Whether organizing food drives, quilting blankets for those in need, or helping plan local events, she gave of herself freely and joyfully. Her legacy is one of service, compassion, and love.

Beyond her community work, Sally Anne was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her family was her greatest pride and joy. She leaves behind a lifetime of cherished memories, stories shared over kitchen tables, holidays filled with laughter, and lessons passed down through generations. Her nurturing nature extended to all who entered her life, and she had a remarkable gift for making people feel like family.

The circumstances of her passing are deeply tragic, and the shock has reverberated throughout the region. Yet, even in this moment of sorrow, the community has come together to honor the beautiful life Sally Anne lived. Vigils, prayers, and shared stories are helping to light the way forward for those grieving.

Sally Anne Wheeler will be remembered not only for who she was, but for the countless lives she touched. Her spirit will live on in the Appalachian mountains she loved, in the smiles of those she comforted, and in the continued acts of kindness inspired by her example.

To her family, we extend our deepest condolences. May you find strength in the love that surrounds you, and peace in the memories you hold dear. Please keep her loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time.

Rest peacefully, Sally Anne. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.