TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Teen Killed In Plane Crash Gets Fond Memorial

ADVERTISEMENT

By NATALIE SHEPHERD

nshepherd@wfla.com

Published: March 14, 2009

Related Links

• Tears And Smiles
• Sign The Guestbook
• Previous: Dreams Of Being A Pilot

Richard Seufzer

The faculty and staff at Zephyrhills High School wanted to pay tribute to Richard Seufzer as he'd want to be remembered.

"All of us who knew Richie know he wouldn't want us mourning his death. He'd want us celebrating his life," school counselor Julie Moore told the packed school gymnasium.

Moore and high school swim coach Shannon Mathews started things off by removing their suit coats to reveal blue t-shirts. They stripped off their socks and shoes to put on flip flops.

"He'd want us to party," Moore laughed. "Richie only wore flip flops, and his favorite color was blue."

Seufzer, 17, died Monday when the plane he was riding in crashed in an orange grove near Dade City. He was studying with aerobatic pilot, Paul Lopez, who also died in the crash. Seufzer was learning about aeronautics for a senior class project.

Seufzer was also a member of the swimming and dive team at Zephyrhills High School.

Principal Gerri Painter described Seufzer as a wonderful young man who was kind and passionate about life.

"Richie touched my heart in the very short time we had him here at Zephyrhills," Painter said. "He would share his passion with you, and when you heard his stories, you'd smile from ear to ear."

His mother, Rhonda, took the stage during the tribute, wearing a formal gown.

"I told you I'd go to prom with you if you couldn't find a date," she said, speaking to her son.

Rhonda Seufzer told the crowd about her son's outgoing personality. She said he'd have been touched by the turn out at the tribute.

"I know you'd have loved this, you'd be so thrilled."

She broke down in tears as she remembered the 17 years, nine months and 10 days she got to spend with him.

"I always knew you'd be a wonderful man, and it turned out to be true," she said.

Seufzer's classmates also spoke about the friend they lost.

"Richie wasn't worried about cool," friend Chris First said. "He was a great guy, a great friend."

The loss has been difficult for the school. Painter suspended FCAT testing earlier in the week so students could mourn for their friend.

She now plans on handing out a scholarship for character, kindness and spirit in Seufzer's name.

"You will be missed, but you will always be in our hearts," she said.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT