I just watched the whole ATC transcriptions between the control tower, an (F-15?) pilot, and the Alaska Airlines baggage handler during the theft of a Horizon Air Dash Q400 over Seattle-Tacoma area. The way what he was doing during those moments is soooo terrifyingly calm as if he has nothing left to lose in his life anymore. He talks to those guys like they know each other while the people on the control tower maintained their cool and professionalism while talking down a guy who is clearly suicidal.
(also, that barrel roll he did was the ultimate middle finger on his lifelong sorrows…a plane wasn’t meant to do that maneuver being flown by a guy who plays video games, even pilots were impressed!)
Well, today is the fourth anniversary of the great infamous “Sky King”.
I feel that one of, if not the strongest message of Beebo’s story is this: a person can be born and raised in a good family and life, find and marry the love of your life who miraculously loves you back, be physically capable, spiritually strong, have ability to travel, vacation, have the support of family and friends, and most importantly have a naturally positive and loving approach to life - and depression can STILL creep into the mind, take over without all the tell-tale signs that society tells us to be aware of, and bring you to end that good life that so many in this world are desperate to have. Injuries to the mind such as multiple concussions, traumatic events both physically and mentally, are still nowhere near being fully understood. And access to mental health help is everywhere, sure - but we are still working on moving our society past the concept of mental health awareness and into mental health acceptance- where it’s no longer about knowing these issues are out there but we’ve built the awareness into our society’s systems and content to the point that it’s no longer disruptive or detrimental to a person’s life, family, and work to address their mental health. Beebo’s mental health, any treatment or therapy he may or may not have leveraged, may not be known to us as the random public - but his story, to me, continues as proof that depression and other mental health conditions, are impossible to dismiss or be satisfied by the idea that having a good life with loving and supportive family/friends, having a strong spiritual connection to God, and opportunities all around. The brain is a scary thing and we have a lot still to learn about it, and about us as a people.
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Btw, I drew a ponified version of Beebo as a tribute and memoriam to his glorious yet tragic actions.
Rest In Peace, ya crazy Space Cowboy! 😭