Colby Men’s Lacrosse junior Derrik Flahive died Tuesday in an accident while abroad in Chile. Details are scant, but according to a Chilean news source Flahive and another person were in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park when the accident occurred. They were apparently jumping into water from a height of about 10 meters. Flahive struck his head on a rock, lost consciousness and drowned before he could be rescued.
Please keep his family, friends and teammates in your thoughts and prayers. As someone who had the misfortune of losing a teammate far too young myself, my heart breaks for the men of Colby lacrosse. The bond you form stepping on the field, ice or court together day in and day out is so powerful that losing someone who toiled at your side is a huge blow and one that is not easily healed. Flahive exemplified the unique benefits of the NESCAC experience. Not a lot of serious athletes have the opportunity to go to Chile in their off-season and return to their team as a major contributor. It is painful to see that kind of opportunity and promise taken from someone in a manner this tragic.
From the CAC to the 'CAC 