When my story on our colleague Vu Nguyen
appeared Friday, it received more than 70 user 
comments, all positive.
In addition, I received these e-mails. Vu, our education reporter, was
still on life support when they were written. He died Friday night at age 34.
comments, all positive.
In addition, I received these e-mails. Vu, our education reporter, was
still on life support when they were written. He died Friday night at age 34.What a brave family. My heart goes out to them. My son went to school with Vu in Springfield and they became good friends. I met Vu at their graduation and was very impressed by the young man's love for journalism and an upbeat attitude. Our sympathies to his young wife and family. Thank you for writing this, my son is away in India and this has helped him gain strength at this trying time. May God bless the family and give them courage. Their memories are precious!
Rashmi Mehrotra
Hello. I'm one of Vu's friends from his time in Illinois. Wanted to let you know that your story on him was extremely well done, and I can only imagine how difficult it was to do, given the sad circumstances.
Despite this tragedy, I had to smile when I read the part in your story about how he was running around like an airplane. You really captured his spirit and joyfulness.
Thank you.
Adriana Colindres
Thank you for doing the very nice, but terribly sad, story on Vu.
He was an intern here at our paper about five years ago and was immensely liked. There's a pall that's come over all of us who knew him and appreciated his wonderful humor. I can only imagine what it must be like in your newsroom.
If anyone sets up a scholarship in his name or does something similar, could you let me know? I'll share any of that information with my co-workers.
Thank you,
Jane Gargas, reporter
I was an editor at The Seattle Times when Vu was there. He was a
delight to have in the newsroom, and I can't imagine how hard his
loss would have been had this tragedy struck back then. To your
newsroom, and to his family if you get the chance, please relay my
condolences and sympathy. I never saw Vu unhappy and he never failed
to make me happier no matter what calamity was settling over the
newsroom. The sad thing is that he won't be there to offer some
relief to this tragedy.
John B. Saul
All of us in Communications wanted to extend our deep sympathies and heartfelt condolences to you and to Vu's family during this tragic time. We found Vu to be a knowledgeable and dedicated reporter who knew his subject and worked hard to get the full story. We don't know at this time what his current condition is, but we hold out hope for the best.
Pam Slater
Public Information Officer
Communications Division
California Department of Education
Sacramento
I went to the hospital last night. I'm a friend of Heather's and didn't know Vu very well except for meeting him once after he and Heather started going out and then at their wedding. However, it's been very interesting learning about Vu's life from his friends and from your article, including how he ran down the field with his arms spread like an airplane before he collapsed. Thank you for writing this article about him.
John Auyong
This morning I read the article on Vu, which I believe was written by Larry Altman. As I have worked with Vu for this past school year I have come to admire and respect him and his work. Assuming the doctors are correct and Vu will not survive, I would appreciate knowing when and where any funeral services will be held so I can attend.
Thank you,
Joe Condon
Superintendent, Lawndale School District
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