Audio By Carbonatix
“The Giveaway,” Alan Prendergast, May 14
Give and Let Die
My definition of a coroner or forensics examiner is an official
responsible for investigating deaths, particularly some of those
happening under unusual circumstances, and determining the cause of
death. Based on that brief explanation, what in the world was Laradon
thinking when it received an envelope with writing on the outside that
read, “Wait until you hear from the coroner. Please don’t call,
everything is OK.” Let me ask you, when was the last time you ever
heard from a coroner when everything was okay? I cannot believe that
Laradon didn’t automatically suspect that whoever was responsible for
that envelope was aware of an imminent death. That thought alone should
have triggered Laradon to call law enforcement and turn over the
envelope and its contents to them, immediately.
Either Laradon Hall was very ignorant, or it deliberately closed its
eyes to a potential death — thereby enabling a desperate human
being, a creature of god, to die unnecessarily.
Stewart Martin
Posted on www.westword.com
Did Annie Green ever offer a cogent explanation for her inaction, or
apologize to the family? It sounds like John Beech had cancer. When
there is a suicide, everyone feels, shares and assigns blame and,
furthermore, the self-questioning and condemnations never abate. In any
case, John Beech left when he wanted to, like Hemingway. Suicide would
not be immoral if other unconsenting, unknowing people were not
involved. Let’s forget the blame part, huh?
A sincere apology from Green in the form of an editorial letter to
Westword should suffice, and then everyone involved needs to
move on. Everyone on the job is too busy to notice details or take
responsibility. Who foresaw this coming? Give the lady a break. John
wanted that money to go to Laradon. Respect his wishes. Laradon is a
great work.
Gene Edwards
Colorado Springs
I just wanted to tell you what a terrific job you did on this story.
I was a friend of John Beech’s and never saw any signs of trouble; he
was always the life of the party. I would have liked to have known him
longer than I did — he was a great guy.
Thanks for bringing light to suicide and exposing Laradon Hall.
Aaron Glover
Littleton
I have had the good fortune of knowing and working with Annie Green
for almost twenty years. She is one of the most caring, empathetic
individuals I have ever encountered. She has dedicated her life to
the developmentally disabled and their families. To imply that she
would take money, any amount, in lieu of saving a human life is
ludicrous. Hindsight is always perfect in these types of
situations, and to call John Beech’s comments a suicide note is easy
now, but at the time the note was quite ambiguous. Ms. Green called his
house and requested to meet in person, but none of these requests were
answered.
In a tragic case like this, loved ones are compelled to speculate as
to what could have saved the individual. But unfortunately, the only
person responsible for Mr. Beech’s death was Mr. Beech. Let’s not
increase this tragedy by tainting the good works of Annie Green and
Laradon Hall.
Jim White
Denver
Fascinating article: well-written, good details and explanation.
Very sad for the family, and appalling that the purported beneficiaries
of his will would not act to check on his welfare when the notations on
the envelope and the post-dating of the check could not have been a
clearer statement of his intent. And these are people who take care of
people with developmental disabilities?
My heart goes out to the family, and I hope that they prevail in
court and that the institution does NOT get the “donation.” This sad
man could have been saved and could have had many more years ahead of
him.
C. Christie Nute
San Diego