Bill Gertz's Son Dies While Skateboarding

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Bill Gertz is the Pentagon reporter at the Washington Times. Whatever else you may think of that paper, Bill Gertz seems to be well regarded. I can't imagine how awful this must be.

Thanks to DCRTV for the link.

Son Of Bill Gertz Dies - 7/30 - The Washington Times reports that Derek Gertz, 18, of Bowie, a nationally distinguished skateboarder, died Friday of head injuries suffered in an accidental fall while skateboarding in College Park. He was the son of Bill Gertz, national security reporter for the Washington Times.....

Derek Gertz, 18, star skateboarder

Derek Gertz, 18, star skateboarder

Derek Gertz, 18, of Bowie, a nationally distinguished skateboarder, died Friday of head injuries suffered in an accidental fall while skateboarding in College Park. He was the son of Bill Gertz, national security reporter for The Washington Times.

Mr. Gertz was active in sports from a young age. He performed trick rides on bicycles, rode dirt bikes and played numerous sports, including lacrosse and snowboarding. He was an expert pingpong player. For a time, he played bass guitar in a music group and enjoyed playing disc jockey.

[SeattleGirl]

1. Gawd. I cannot imagine the pain that young man's family must be

going through.

My condolences to them.

[cynatnite]

2. Poor family...I couldn't imagine the loss...

It's a tragic reminder of the importance of wearing helmets.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

3. Oh.

MKJ

[book_worm]

4. So sad. My heart goes out to the family.

I see skateboarders every day--not excellent ones like this young man, but just normal kids trying to do these stunts on their skateboards. I see them fall and scrape their knees and think, "My Gosh, what if they really took a hard fall on that concrete and hit their heads!" Many of these kids don't wear the gear that would protect them from a fall like that.

[TomInTib]

5. At least he went out doing what he loved to do. nt

[MidwestTransplant]

6. Gertz get's some good China scoops and others but he has an agenda. That's besides the point here

of course. How horrible it must be for him and his family.

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

7. Very sad story. There is some footage of his talent

on youtube. He was a talented young man. I feel sorrow for his family and what they have lost.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

8. YouTube

Got a link?

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

10. Yes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCElaWbAtVk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4db5N29G3gc&mode=related&search=

[Jack Rabbit]

9. Peace and well wishes to the Gertz family

[RamboLiberal]

11. No parents should have to bury a child

My sympathies to the Gertz family.

Perhaps Gertz will realize how his employer and his own writings have sent many other young sons and daughters to their deaths in Iraq. But I doubt it.

Again, it is a shame the young man died.

Skateboarders need to wear a helmet - from his video looks like Derek didn't.

[MADem]

13. My sentiments precisely. nt

[JI7]

12. Gertz has no credibility when it comes to his work as "reporter"

but i am very sorry for the loss of his son. i can't imagine what they are going through right now.

[Help me help Earth]

14. Very sad. My condolences. nt