I wanted to alert the hunting world about the tragic passing of Russ's 23 year old son. Many know Russ in the hunting world as he has outfitted in Montana for years and is a hunting consultant as well.

His son Russ Smith III, a very dynamic young man, had just graduated from Montana Tech here in Butte on the 14th with honors in Petroleum Engineering and had already accepted a job. Hours later he went skateboarding with friends and had the accident that resulted in a bad head injury. He died two days ago in a Missoula hospital.

I talked to Russ this morning and he's holding up and he said the support that he and his son's mother Bonita have recieved has been very strong and comforting. Maybe the AR crew can lend a shoulder as well.........I'don't have his e-mail address but I'll get it and later maybe we can send him a link to this.

I don't know Russ or his family but none-the-less, my condolences. What a terrible tragedy. Life can be so fragile.

That's terrible news. I believe Russ's e-mail is russsmith@blackfoot.net

I can't believe the tragedies that have hit the outfitters and booking agents the last couple of years.

Unimaginable anguish, losing a son, with all the world before him. May GOD give them strength.

Our most sincere condolensces! A terrible event.

As Nickudu implied, your kids are not supposed to predecease you.

Our heartfelt condolences on the families great loss.

Loosing a son in the prime of his life is one the sadeset things that can happen to anyone.

My condolences to him and his family. Nothing worse than losing a child. My prayers go out for all of them.

Earlier in the day I was at my friend's side when he buried his 27 year old son. So I can well understand what the parents must be going through.

My heartfelt condolences to the Smith family.

Rustam

Sometimes, when we least expect it, life takes a sudden turn. Let them find strength from friends and family and all the wonderful memories that they are left with. Let this be a reminder to all of us how important each moment is. Linda

What a terrible tragedy. It is always more difficult to see this happen to someone who is just starting their life.

My deepest condolences.

There is no loss greater than the losing of one's child. I pray that God give Russ and Bonita the strength and courage to continue their lives, and the knowledge that they will be with their son again, as is God's will.

Try this email: rshunting@bresnan.net

That is the worst possible disaster a parent could ever face. My deepest condolances to the family.

We have a 20 year-old in college, and we worry about her like the dickens. I can only imaging how these folks feel............

AD

Can't imagine anything worse than a parent burrying a child. My heart goes out to Russ and his family.

Student dies after boarding crash


By the Standard Staff - 05/23/2005



Russell Smith, 23, of Philipsburg, who was hurt in a skateboarding accident Sunday, May 15, died Saturday in St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
Arrangements are pending at the KT Riddle Funeral Home in Anaconda.

Smith had been listed in critical condition Friday in the Missoula hospital.

According to Butte police reports, Smith was riding his skateboard west along Park Street around 12:30 a.m. on May 15, when he wrecked while trying a trick, police reports said. Smith hit the back of his head, causing him to bleed and lose consciousness. He was not wearing any protective clothing, according to reports. The report said alcohol was involved.

Smith graduated with a bachelor of science degree in petroleum engineering from Montana Tech Saturday, May 14, reports said.

— Montana Standard staff

I think that says it all. Very sad indeed.

Man that is a horrible story. Losing a child has got to be nearly unbearable. I pray that I do not have to endure it.

My prayers are with the family.

Mike

May God give Russ and his family His peace, the peace that passes all understanding!

Tim

You can reach Russell's mother Bonita Smith @ bonitaharrissmith@hotmail.com