On her MySpace.com website, 16-year-old Molly posts a heart-rending obituary/tribute to her 19-year-old brother, Josh. In November, Josh, also a MySpace member, set his truck on fire, got inside and shot himself. Two weeks later, Josh still gets updates about how the Steelers are doing, posted in the usual conversational style in the comments section of his site.
Brittany writes:
“hi josh
steelers won on sunday 21-9. we stopped ‘da bears’ 8 game winning streak, but i’m sure you already know. our playoff hopes are still reachable. i miss you so much and am still praying for your family. love you bunches”
Described by his sister as “one of those naturally smart/eloquent people,” Josh was a freshman studying Latin at Duquesne University.
Josh isn’t the only MySpace member whose legacy has been kept alive online. A Live Journal blogger by the handle of iyago has set up a submission page for MySpace members who’ve passed on. So far, there are over 30 submissions linking to profile pages of youngsters who’ve died-mostly in car accidents.
Two months after the death of 22-year-old Jacob, MySpace member Vestige leaves a casual message.
“Hey, Jacob…stopping by to say hey and that I miss you. Because we all know that God MUST have Myspace in heaven.”
The sites of the MySpace deceased have become a way for loved ones to commune with them days, weeks, or months after their deaths. Scores of friends and family visit these sites to express their love, how much they miss them, and to update them on what’s happening back on Earth.
“I am not going to work again tonight cause i am really not feeling well. Other than that i am cool..i am dropping by to say i love you and miss you and really wish you were here right now. Well i will talk to you later…if i dont get back on sweet dreams,” writes TAT2DANGEL to 21-year-old Lori, who passed away two months ago.
Young Jill gets a birthday greeting:
“♥ Happy Birthday Jill ♥
I Hope You Have The Best 18th Ever
I Wish You Were Here To Experience It
I Wish I Could Call You && Say Happy Birthday
Instead I Get To Leave It Here
I’ll Love You Forever Jill
Happpppy Birthday Babbyyyy”
Family and friends continue to post messages as if they’re beloved is only in another city. MySpace has become a channel for grieving, a support circle for the bereft, as well as a house of prayer.
