Saying goodbye to a friend

WSC students gathered to celebrate the life of a friend and teammate

  • Students, faculty and staff gathered on the football field to pay tribute to student Eddie Key who died Saturday, February 8.

    Jamie Held
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  • The release of balloons in memory of Eddie Key who died Saturday, February 8.

    Jamie Held
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  • Jamie Held
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  • Head Coach Dan McLaughlin

    Jamie Held
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  • Assistant Coach John McMenamin

    Jamie Held
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  • Senior Abram Walker

    Jamie Held
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Sami Taylor, Staff Writer
February 26, 2014

Seventy-five balloons rose into the sky as Wayne State students and others celebrated the life of Eddie Key.

Stories upon stories were told about Eddie last Wednesday on the Wildcat football field. Key died in Berry Hall from pulmonary edema, caused by bacterial pneumonia, on Saturday, Feb. 8.

WSC’s head football coach, Dan McLaughlin, spoke first. He thanked everyone for coming and said a few things about Key.

McLaughlin then handed the mic over to John McMenamin, who recruited Key.

“He would always put others before himself,” McMenamin said. “If someone was feeling down, Eddie would be there.”

Students also remembered Key by telling about the good times they had with him.

“He was a good gamer, a good friend and a good teammate,” teammate DeWayne Scott said. “He had the most amazing smile that would brighten up anyone’s day.”

Teammate Abram Walker explained how those gathered should honor Key.

“We must live for Eddie, love like he would love, and become the men and women Eddie knew we can become,” Walker said.