Stillacombe, WA — The baseball prodigy who continued to shine brightly after his tragic death last weekend will be remembered as a shining light.
The parents of 17-year-old Reese Widman told KIRO 7 they wished their loss to help another family and teenager.
“We didn’t see it. He was Robin Williams. Sweeney Widman says
Reese lost his life on Saturday morning. He shocked everyone who knew him. He was about to start his final semester at Steilacoom High School.
Sweeney-Widman says he was known for his kindness and love of baseball.
“Baseball was his life. He loved baseball. He would play all year if he could,” says Sweeney Widman. “He was the light that brought joy to the room.”
She says he had a bright future. He is a star player who plans to play college baseball and hopes to become a high school teacher.
His decision highlights the complexities of mental health. Those who knew Reese remember him with smiles and laughter.
“What could we have done? More? Better? How come you haven’t seen this?” Dad asks Corey Sweeney.
Corey, a baseball coach at Stilakam High School, said his son always encouraged his teammates and was a leader on the team.
His family wants to honor his legacy by raising awareness of mental health issues and asking people to live like Reese. ”
“We want to share it because it’s important for others to get help and know that this was never an option. And how loved Reese was.” says Sweeney-Widman. “I think the most important thing for us is to know that his memory lives on.”
Hundreds of community members, classmates and teammates gathered on Sunday for a memorial service for beloved #14 Reese. They met at one of his favorite places, the baseball field.
“He loved pitching. He was the most confident on the mound,” says Sweeney Widman. “He was the best of the best and everyone knew that.”
If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free help. Lifeline by dialing 988For more information on risk factors and warning signs, see your organization’s Official website.
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