In Loving Memory
Derek SpringLakewood Ranch, FL Parents: Siblings: Click here to view photo gallery |
One day at our local high school, our beautiful son was handed a pill, and was told it could not hurt him because it was a prescription from a doctor. It was oxycontin. Our community had been flooded with prescription pills as a result of 'pill mills'. This moment lead to months of addiction to oxycontin & xanax. We can only imagine how scared & desperate our son was to stop taking these drugs when he self medicated with methadone to 'cure' himself from oxy & xanax. His body could not metabolize the methadone & just two weeks after his 18th birthday, my husband & I found our sweet boy dead in his own bed. And this was a boy who LOVED life; he loved people, he loved his friends. He would do anything for a friend. Derek was funny & loved to make people laugh. He was also very sensitive. Our family is forever broken & incomplete without our first born child & only son. Derek left behind a sister, who was only 9 at the time of his death. She remains heartbroken, as does the rest of our family. We miss you, Derek, every moment of every day. Our love for you did not die when you did, our love for you lives on for eternity. We will carry you in our hearts forever, my beautiful boy.
Candles
Your Mom misses you and loves you. |
Hey Derek. The girls and I miss you a lot! Your mom posted this really cool saying that we should not be filled with regret or questions on this day and that you would want us to be free and have a good day. It was really sweet because it's true! You always thought about everyone else's needs before your own. I talk to Mariah a lot and I can't help to think about you! Miss you bud I hope you and Tyler are taking care of each other! Xoxo Ashley |
– From Ramin Kouzehkanani on September 1, 2014 |
I was at the park today and noticed the stone memorial for Derek. I stopped and wondered, and just had to look him up. I'm very sorry for your loss. |
My son, Kavin Hanscom, died of methadone toxicity on 8/23/09 just 2 1/2 months before his 20th bday. He too left behind a 9 year old sister. My son was young, naieve and self medicating after his first heart break. These drugs are everywhere. Just because something is prescribed doesn't mean it isn't deadly. |
Many many blessings to your and your family, Derek. You are never alone. |
A generous donation was made in loving memory to Derek Spring. |
Thinking of you today, as well as the son I've lost, and most recently and still to painful, your grandfather Owen Spring. Love and memories go out to the 3 of you today. |
Beautiful son Jan. I am, once again, so very sorry. I will pray for his sister, Dustin also left his sister behind, she is 31 now, but the pain remains. God Bless you and your family and thank you so much for sharing. |
Life changed for sure without you around. But i know your up there with that cocky smirk on your face watching over all of us and our friends/family. Theres plenty of things and moments i wish we could get back but thank God for memories and photos. love && miss you derek. always in my heart. |
A lot of people thought of you, today, Derek. You remain in the hearts of so many who love and miss you. |
You are the young cousin I never got to meet, Derek. Your story and your mom's sorrow and courageous response are carried in my heart. Here's a candle lit for you, with the hope that your life and its too-early end will inspire others. |
Rest in peace Derek. I didn't know you well, but I knew you enough to know you are such a great person. Your memory will live on. <3 |
My condolences go out to Derek's Mom and family and friends. I am sorry for your loss as well. Oct 27, 2011 @ 6pm there is going to be a nationwide candle light vigil in Sarasota off Beneva road. Please join us. |
Sometimes God sends an angel to help thousands and Dereks struggle with addiction may just have done that. I hope his friends learn that every morning when your eyes open to a new day it is that...a new day....that is why it is called "the present". |
Words cant explain how missed u are. And how things have changed for me i hope ur up there making people happy like u did down here |
Sometimes I lay down, laugh and cry when I remember all the great times Derek, Cody, and I had. Like the time Cody tried to pop a wheely on his bike heading from school and he fell back with his handle bars in his hands and the front tire rolling down the street. Derek and I laughed a whole year about that. Or when I was dating Audrey. Derek, Cody, Megan, Audrey and I were all walking from school and we were probably 20ft in front of the girls. And Derek comes up with this crazy idea to moon them. So we all came to an agreement that we all would do it at the same time. So, we counted to 3 and turned out when we got to 3, I was the only one who went through with it and Derek and Cody chickened out. Then, Audrey and Megan were shocked and they loved it. We laughed about it the entire way to Dereks house. So Derek, when you left us. It killed me too on the inside, because I felt like if you, Cody and I had of stay together when we went to highschool, that this wouldn't have never happened to my best friend. And your mom told me the samething at your homegoing. Because, she knew that I would never encourage you to any kinds of drug. The only thing we were guilty of when we got together was, sneaking out late with girls. Other than that, you, me and Cody were just the Uh-Oh Oreo of Braden River Middle because we were together all the time. Love, Tavares! |
Stoping by to say I miss my best friend Derek, he will always share a place in my heart. Now every time that I hear, see, or do something funny, I know that he's right there laughing with me or at me. LOAO |
"He would do anything for a friend" Derek was such a big help to me when me and my abusive boyfriend broke up. He would stay by my side every day after school and make me laugh until my stomach hurt. He was a true friend which is rare to come by now a day's and there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him. I can't watch Family guy or listen to B.G without thinking of him and all the great time's we had together. The night before he passed I saw him he told me I was beautiful and gave me a kiss on the cheek and as he was walking away I shouted "I love you" and he said "Love you too" I am so thankful for that moment. He might be gone but he will never be forgotten. I love you Derek and I am going to end this with some B.G lyrics, one of you're favorites<3 "So much death up on the city streets Until we meet my soldiers rest in peace" |
We all miss you Derek, I hope that all of our friends will continue to remember you and come to treasure their own lives. |
Even though I don't know your family, I just wanted to express my sympathy and can relate to what you are going thru, I lost my brother back in 2010 to this horrible drug oxycodone, My parents found him in their bathroom dead, my dad tried to do CPR on him but it was too late. I was his only sister so I know what you are going thru. I am so sorry! |
miss u bro, not the same here without u don't like it here without u. |
Rest in Peace, Derek. Your beautiful spirit will forever & always live on. Thank you for keeping me safe! <3 |
– From Olivia Dinkel on September 21, 2011 |
Derek's smile laugh and ability to cheer anyone up at anytime was extraordinary. I will never forget him or stop missing him. Derek you were a great guy who cared so much for everyone around you people like you are hard to come by these days. The whole Spring family should not dwell on what they lost but celebrate what they had. |
Life without you does not get easier, I simply miss you more and more every day. I pray you are in a place of peace and comfort where you only see our love and not our grief. |
Rest in Peace Derek |
Although I never met you, I feel like I know you through my friendship with your Mom. You would be so proud of her! RIP Derek and know that so many people are fighting the fight! You will never be forgotten and remain in our hearts forever! <3 |
Thank you Janice - what a wonderful site for Derek to be remembered forever and to introduce mom's like me! I didn't know this was a place to find peace for moms and dads and families! You offered a loving gift by doing this - to which I light a candle for your son and for you. Courage, love and everlasting memories to you from me, Mike's mom always. |
Forever in my heart, you sure are missed. I wish you were still here to talk to..you helped me so much. Wish I could have helped you though. Rest easy up there man. Love always. |
I love you my brother(: even thought you would get mad at me for going in your room or stealing your things i will always love you no matter what! <3 |