Monday, March 16, 2009
LITTLETON, Colo. — The pallbearers entered the church hand-in-hand.
They were tough, football-playing young men, back at home for spring break from colleges across the country. They had grown up with the man in the casket — “Wreckin’ Wren,” as some had called him, “The Mayor,” to others. They were Jason’s brothers, they said.
They sobbed. The sound of their grief — and that of hundreds of other mourners — resonated throughout the large church.
Nearly a thousand people gathered March 16 at Cherry Hills Community Church for the funeral of Jason Wren, a 19-year-old freshman from this quiet suburb outside Denver who was found dead in Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 1301 West Campus Road, the afternoon of March 8.
The coroner’s and toxicology report in the case of Jason Wren, a 19-year-old freshman from Littleton, Colo., who was found dead in Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 1301 West Campus Road, on March 8, will not be released until the beginning of June, a representative of the coroner’s office said.
All autopsies take eight to 12 weeks from the date of death until the coroner finalizes and releases the results, because samples must be sent to labs in St. Louis, the representative said. The office will release the reports to the police, who are unlikely to release them to the public because of privacy concerns. The police will release the information to Wren’s family.
The coroner’s report is expected to show the cause and manner of death. Wren’s family has said his death was caused by excessive drinking, but they do not know whether it was caused by alcohol poisoning or a secondary cause of death such as asphyxiation. The toxicology report is expected to show Wren’s blood alcohol content at the time of death.
Lawrence police have not filed requests to pursue any criminal charges in the case, Cheryl Wright, a representative of the district attorney’s office said. Kim Murphree, a spokesperson for the police, said Wren’s death was not being treated as a criminal case but was still an open investigation because the coroner’s report had not yet been finalized.
The family said they had been told by SAE members that Jason was served margaritas at a Mexican restaurant the night of his death. The family also said the police had in their possession a fake ID owned by Wren. Murphree said she could not confirm or deny the presence of any evidence.
Jay Wren, Jason’s father, said Jason drank heavily the night of his death because he was upset with himself for missing a bus to a club lacrosse game. “I’m sure he felt like he let the team down,” Jay Wren said.
— Alexandra Garry
Included in the crowd were about 10 KU students who made the eight-hour drive to attend the service.
The University of Kansas has lost a great person, said Ben Fohrman, St. Paul, Minn., freshman.
It was a very large church, but it had to be, one of Jason’s relatives said during the service. It was the only place big enough to fit Jason’s heart — and all of his friends.
“He always used to tease us by saying, ‘I’m so popular,’” Katie Wren, Jason’s older sister, said. “Turns out, he’s right.”
Photo Gallery
Funeral service for Jason Wren
Over 1,000 people attended Jason Wren's funeral service in Littleton Colo., on March 16.
Family and friends remembered Jason through stories, prayers and a video collection of photographs from throughout his life put together by one of his uncles.
Fohrman, who lived near Jason in Oliver Hall, read a poem he had written while Jason’s former resident assistant stood at his side.
An aunt and uncle sang a song called “Wish You Were Here.” A friend told of a time he flipped a golf cart, to Jason’s extreme amusement.
Vicky Wren, Jason’s 15-year-old sister, spoke of an English paper written in September she found on Jason’s laptop titled “Friends Save Lives.”
“He would have saved anyone’s life,” Vicky said, “and he probably did. I hope he will continue to save people.”
The weight of what so many referred to as a tragic loss at the hands of alcohol was expressed throughout the service.
“The reality of this moment — the ‘couldas,’ ‘shouldas,’ ‘wouldas’ — in light of the hopes and dreams of a young son, brother, teammate, friend and boyfriend, are crushing,” said Brett Garretson, the service’s religious leader.
John Wren, Jason’s uncle, spoke about his family’s desire for positive changes to come from Jason’s death, which the family says was caused by excessive drinking.
John Wren and others asked attendees to consider their habits, to “put the drink down in honor of Jason Wren” and to seek help in times of need.
“You don’t have to fight it alone,” said John Wren of problems with substance abuse.
Jay Wren, Jason’s father, said he wanted college students to reconsider the widely accepted drinking culture.
“Don’t let this happen to another family,” he said.
Jason, he said, had all the qualities he had hoped for in a son, including loyalty, a strong work ethic, smarts, honesty and athleticism.
“Jason, you’ll always be my buddy,” he said.
Nick Parker, Jason’s childhood friend and one of the pallbearers, repeated sentiments expressed by many of the 12 people who spoke at the service. Parker spoke of Jason’s passion for life, big heart and natural magnetism.
Jay Wren, Jason Wren’s father, speaks at Wren’s funeral on March 16. Among the almost 1,000 people who attended the funeral were 10 KU students who made the trip to Littleton, Colo., during spring break.
“He was like an earthbound sun,” he said. “Whenever someone was in Jason’s gravitational pull, he always warmed them.”
As the service closed, Parker and seven others helped Jay Wren carry the casket, leading the procession of grieving family and friends through the church and into the sun of a warm Colorado day.
— — Edited by Grant Treaster
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Comments
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
I've posted a question on Facebook and made a comment on this Denver Post item: http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_11928810
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
This is the most tragic thing a parent can possibly go through and my heart goes out to the entire Wren family, Men of SAE, the friends of Jason, and to the whole of the KU community.
I think there are many questions left to be answered. Why when Jason was asked by his dad the reasons for his removal from Oliver did Jason not tell the truth? Was he trying to hide something?... Why upon hearing Jason’s reasons did dad contact the University to inquire as to the real truth? Did dad not believe him? Why not? Was it Jason’s history of alcohol use/abuse?... Why when the University told dad that only through the authorization of Jason could he have access to the information didn't he ask Jason to release it? Did he really not want to face the truth that the records would unfold?... Why did Jason not have a roommate in Oliver? Did the roommate move out? Why would he do that? Could it have been that the disruptive nature of Jason’s behavior made living with him unbearable?... Part of the story that has not been discussed is that as a member of the KU Lacrosse Team, Jason was scheduled to be in Iowa for a game with Iowa State on Saturday. Why wasn't he there? It is because he missed the bus Saturday morning?(Answer: Yes) Why did he miss the bus? Could Jason have been so upset with missing the bus that he felt that he had let his team/coach/dad down? Upon the realization of this event did Jason 'look in the mirror and think less of himself?' so much so that he became depressed? Or was he depressed and became more so? Did Jason then plan or commence a plan of self-medication through alcohol?.. If he was suffering from depression was it severe enough that he contemplated suicide? If so was this suicide through alcohol? These things are known regarding Alcohol dependence: It often leads to social decline and the resulting social isolation is a potent cause of loss of self esteem and hence to depression. Intoxication produces increased impulsiveness and a weakening of normal restraints against dangerous behavior. i.e. drinking more & more & more. This whole story screams of mental illness left unrecognized and being treated through self-medication with alcohol.
This is not an issue of parenting, fraternities, dorms, records from the university, putting someone to bed, or even fake ID's. This is a mental health issue, plain and simple. I think that I can say without a doubt the young man had issues, many of us do. I think Jason knew he had issues based upon his behavior of hiding it, by diminishing the extent of his activity, when asked about it by dad and others.
I do not have the answers to all of the questions I have posed but feel they need to be asked.
Jason, You were loved by many no doubt.
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
KUDadOf2, I appreciate the fact that you are attempting to be respectful and trying to raise important questions about a problem that unfortunately happens every year on college campuses. I don't however, think that it is very useful or respectful to raise questions or give the idea that this young man was suicidal and that is the reason he missed his bus to a lacrosse game, or that he intentionally took his own life via alcohol. It sounds like, by Jason's father's account, that there were definitely som chemical dependency issues going on here. But, I think that it is a large jump to even suggest that Jason took his own life. Sadly, I think Jason did what many freshman do, and that is binge drink, but unfortunately in this case it was fatal. I'm sure that there were signs that Jason was struggling with chemical dependancy issues, and it is so tragic that no one was able to recognize this during his time at KU, or if they did, had the courage to confront the problem. Lets just not start or even suggest the idea that this was somehow suicide, it is not our place nor is this the forum to do that.
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
KUdad... The questions you ask are obsurd. They are completely unnecessary and are hurtful to the people that knew the person Jason was. Not a single question that you asked has run through anyones head. Judging by some of the questions you asked, you are completely uninformed on what is going on, and personally I think you should have kept your questions to yourself.
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
Wow. Can we get a different story on the front page, plz? This is nine days old.
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
KUDadof2, I am personally appalled that you are trying to indicate that Jason had mental health issues and that he was so severely depressed that he tried to drink himself to death. By indicating such, I'm assuming that you were his licensed therapist?! No, don't think so. You are making comments and remarks that you have no business to make or any training or expertise. I AM a licensed therapist and Jason had NO symptoms of depression or suicidal ideations. For your information, alcohol isn't only consumed for self-medication. Far from it. Jason had a life, family and friends that he absolutely loved. And for you, KUDadof2 to slander this family and Jason is absolutely irresponsible, cold, heartless and inexcusable!! As a parent of two sons myself, I personally thought that the frat houses had been cleaned up due to so many deaths from alcohol. We as responsible adults need to take a stand and get legislation changed. Because its people like you who are closed minded and careless and who endanger our children. You should be shaking Denverdads hands and THANKING him for trying to educate the public and yourself to save YOUR children and future grandchildren. This is NOT an issue of depression, but an issue of our society and lack of education. And KUDadof2, if you're one of those naive parents who think that this can never happen to one of your kids, you are the one that has issues, because this CAN happen to anyone.
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
I can only hope legislators are listening/watching. Why is it that you can't be under 21 to go into a bar, but someone under 21 can sleep in, what seems to be these days, sleeping bars called fraternities? PLEASE unless they are dry, the fraternities and sororities should not be allowed to house anyone under 21 unless they are "dry" and enforced.
By the way, when have the police actually gone into a fraternity party to check on I.D.'s on those under 21 drinking alcohol? Anyone?
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
KUDadof2: I think that you began addressing some really appropriate social history questions that seemed like valid inquiries up until you began attempting to assess Jason's mental health and state of mind, attempting to create conclusions that sound more like personal projections. These conclusions seem irresponsible if you're basing this assessment only on what information you have read. The "roommate comments" seemed intentionally more hurtful and insensitive than helpful or just "observational". Clinical depression and alcohol are lethal combinations but binge drinking doesn't necessarily originate out of depression. Young people binge drink for many reasons and their lack of awareness can create unintentionally dangerous, high risk situations for themselves, especially included in this high risk category could be kids who may have genetic predispositions towards alcoholism and binging can get more frequent and out of control when faced with life changing situations or new environments, dealing with new social situations. And yes HRtherapist, I too am a licensed clinical practitioner...I am also commenting on links to family history and alcoholism in general, not knowing Jason's family history (I get a sense you may also be a grieving family member given the powerful emotions expressed) but it would be an issue of concern/exploration if I were interviewing a teen binge drinker in for treatment. Familial attitudes towards alcohol can impact the teen's view and their perception of being able to "handle their drinking"....which of course we know is a false sense of reality. The Greek "presence" on college campuses (including ones housed off campus) is huge and if leadership is truly one of their stated missions it would be a great way to mainstream the Gordie Foundation material to create awareness,accountability and provide critical education. It is interesting that knowing the issues and problems presented on campuses that universities don't insist on a partnership with the Greek Communities (corporate offices) to incorporate these type materials if they want the "privilege" to remain affiliated with the university or expel them as being potentially dangerous with no measurable safeguards (contracts) built into their membership participation. It could be a step towards enforcing this educational material to be addressed when guidelines/contracts are being signed. Respectfully I acknowledge the pain and suffering the loss one's child brings and how it's impact reverberates in the community.
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
Yes, if I had a client in front of me, I too, would do a MSE to assess his/her current mental health status. Yes, KUDadof2's response definitely provoked strong emotions. Not only because he's talking about an issue of which he knows nothing about, but also, because as long as misguided people continue to place blame on other situations or scenarios it takes the focus off of the much needed change that needs to occur on our college campuses and to promote legisltaion and education about the dangers of alcohol. I also realize that his response is a typical self protective socological response in order for him to believe that this can't/won't ever possibly happen to him. I'm sure that he's not the only one who has been doing this to various degrees, in order to give themselves a false sense of security. DiamondGirl, I like your ideas of the universities partnering with the Greek communities and to incorporate the Gordie Foundation's educational materials. It would also be very beneficial if people know of specific steps that can make this partnership occur as well as who actually has the authority to do so to post their ideas. I can only hope and pray that others offer constructive and positive solutions to a very tragic situation. I also strongly suggest that parents of college or high school students to research their son/daughter's prospective universitites records of alcohol related incidents. If colleges and universities experience a decline in their enrollment due to the drinking practices on their campuses this will also send a strong message that lack of supervision and oversight will no longer be tolerated, and that we as parents and family members insist that our children and loved ones are in a safe environment.
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
If you look at the Gordie Foundation website it lists their current partners and KU is on this list, but I don't know how they disseminate or dialog or "teach" this information. It seems like making attendance at a workshop a requirement to live in the dorms or university "sanctioned" type housing could be incorporated into contracts..if even for liability purposes, but above all to save potential lives. It would be naive to think that binge drinking occurs primarily in the Greek community and to focus on this dilutes the message, one who is determined as you know, will acquire alcohol by being resourceful. The dangers of binge drinking and alcoholism is very present in the college environment and starting in the dorms and Greek communities can make a difference, the education is OUT there and available it's the use of good judgment and experience that will save lives, SAE members were IGNORANT, NOT INDIFFERENT and grave mistakes were made and opportunities missed, but this was NOT INDIFFERENCE...and ignorance resulted in a fatal consequence. Not having been present or witness to the tragic event, it is inappropriate for me to comment on what behaviors were exhibited by Jason prior to his passing, BAC doesn't always present the acute distress symptoms we might recognize to signal distress and BAC levels can continue to rise to deadly levels long after the person has ceased drinking and fallen asleep...this coupled with some under the influence companions with impaired judgment made a lethal combination. No excuse for ignorance and education is paramount and should be very present in the Greek community given this is where many congregate socially and there is money available to provide these type services and I've suggested it be provided with contracts signed by members and be presented 2x a yr. Alcohol and drug abuse education is available, personal responsibility for one's actions cannot be ignored. INDIFFERENCE is unacceptable, Ignorance can be changed...with the intent to make a difference.
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
According to a September 2008 report by the NIAAA, 83 percent of college students drink alcohol, and 41 percent of students surveyed reported they drank five or more drinks on at least one occasion within a two-week period. Ostrander said about half the clients at his Lawrence center were college students, and he said young people with alcoholism often did not seek help because they saw their drinking habits — no matter how excessive — as hardly unusual compared with those of other people in their age group. Alcohol is a sedative-hypnotic drug, so it targets the pleasure center of the brain, inducing calmness and reducing anxiety, Ostrander said. For college students, many of whom are away from home for the first time and struggling to make new friends and establish an identity, Ostrander said the desire to have this alcohol-induced high had an even greater appeal. David Ambler, emeritus vice chancellor of student affairs, said college students are also drawn to alcohol because of the role it plays in university culture. With slogans such as “Win or lose, we still booze” and a social scene saturated with kegs, jungle juice and beer pong, Ambler said college students can perceive having a social life free of alcohol as difficult or uncool.
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
HR: Isn't that a rationalization used with many alcoholics who are justifying their indulgence? When one starts to "defend" they can "handle their drinking" there in lies a huge problem!! Alcohol is a legal accessible drug and lowers ambitions and reduces anxiety, temporarily then the effects wear off they there they are dealing with the SELF once again. Interesting post thanks for sharing that information. Your insight and comments could be helpful on this other site: http://www.kansan.com/stories/2009/mar/23/letter_response/#comments
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
http://www.texasmonthly.com/2009-02-01/feature2.php
SOUND FAMILIAR? TRUTH WILL COME OUT!
Nearly 1,000 attend Jason Wren’s funeral
To Jason Wren's Dad,
My condolences on the loss of your son. Please contact me at dreynolds@lrp.com. I'm a journalist working on a story about the University of Kansas alcohol policy and would like to speak with you if at all possible.
Regards,
Dan Reynolds
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