Tragic loss to FIRST

[Mike Copioli]

Yesterday morning I was delivered news the no one wants to hear. A close friend and FRC mentor had suddenly passed away.

Mays Overton was a dear friend, mentor and co-founder of team 2851, Crevolution. His charismatic and inspiring personality was a gift to all who knew him.

Mays was passionate about many things including running. Yesterday morning while taking a jog with friend and team mentor Kent Goodier, Mays suddenly went into cardiac arrest. Kent, one of Mays' closest friends, performed CPR until EMS arrived. Several attempts to resuscitate him were made by EMS and continued on for over an hour at the hospital. He was only 27 years old.

Once in a while a light shines so bright that it can't possibly burn long. Mays was such a light. He was the kind of person it was impossible to dislike. For those of you who knew him, his eclectic personality and dynamic facial hair made him easy to spot at any event. This enthusiasm and charisma allowed him to reach students at their own level and made him one of the most effective mentors in all of FRC.

I am going to miss the times we had during build season. The laughs, the sharing of ideas and strategies, margaritas on Wednesday and wings on Thursday after team meetings.

My thoughts and sympathies go out to all who knew him, especially his family and fellow team members. This is a tough time for all of us who knew him. I can only imagine how tough this is for his family.

Below is a link to a video I put together with the help of his closest friends to help honor his memory. If you take the time to watch it you will see why we all adored him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4FeO...ature=youtu.be