Extending Nate's Legacy

Friends of Nate administrators include Matt Bevil Brown ‘14, Lucy Stephenson Brown ‘13, and Devin Mitchell Quincy ‘09, in collaboration with Nate’s family.

We are here not only to celebrate Nate's life but also to extend his legacy in meaningful ways.

We remember Nate as a leader, a friend, a beloved family member, a teammate, and more. He was brave on and off the track. As one teammate put it, Nate was "a rock to help weather the storms, supportive and caring, and an open ear to listen, but also brave enough to tell me what I needed to hear." We lost him suddenly and tragically, and we will miss him dearly, quietly, chaotically…alone and together in different ways.

In true track team form (and per lovely idea from Nate’s sister Zoe), we’ll eventually print gear this summer. Whether you’ve ever run a step or not you’re on our team now, so let us know if you want to stay in that loop . But there are more important things to do first.

How You Can Help

1) Share memories, photos, stories, feelings, and thoughts on Nate over the summer.

For Nate’s 34th birthday in October, we will compile these into a beautiful memory book for his family. It will serve as a tangible testament to Nate's impactful life that we can share with his family, just before the holidays. To contribute, post on the KudoBoard , @remembering_nate on Instagram , or the Remembering Nate Facebook . Share your reflections on losing him. Share how you're feeling, what you're learning, what you're doing that reminds you of him.

2) Be the friend who brings it up

As we learn more about suicide, we will share on the @remembering_nate Instagram . Another quote from Nate's community: Suicidality, along with depression and anxiety, are "diseases of the mind: they are illnesses as physical as any other, ever so perceptible to other neurons of our brain even if not to other people in our life. When a diseased mind succumbs to a final choice that ends their transient agony during an acute crisis, we must understand that this is not some weak, selfish decision but rather the culmination of repeated self-horrors where peak agony intersects with isolation, helplessness, and the impulse to take drastic action."

Studies show that if asked directly, most suicidal people will answer honestly. “Perhaps you'll ask the question and create a socially awkward moment. Or perhaps you will save a life."

3) Donate

If you are moved to support financially, we welcome donations starting at $10. Remember, the number of supporters means more to us than the amount donated.

The first $500 will go towards memory books and memorial batons. We’ll fill specially printed books with your words and pictures, which will give Nathan's family a tangible way to remember his beautiful spirit and positive impact. Specially designed batons will commemorate Nate's contribution and impact to the Quincy High and Brown Track and Field teams, and serve as a lasting symbol of his legacy. (If you want to help design the batons, contact Devin Mitchell from Quincy High or Matt Bevil / Lucy Stephenson from Brown.)

Dollars $500 - $3,000 will go to Quincy High uniforms or parachutes / bungees / training tools. Nate's former coach becomes the new Quincy Athletic Director for the next school year, so Devin and Quincy teammates are working with them and the head track coach to define what will serve the program best. We will let you all know in the KudoBoard , @remembering_nate on Instagram , or the Facebook group.

$3,000 - $5,000+ would go to a shoe fund for Quincy Track & Field seniors headed to compete in college, and/or first-generation college students in the Brown Track program. These help reduce financial barriers and support their athletic and academic journeys. This fund would quietly literally help athletes get their footing, just like Nate always helped us get our footing.

To close, we lean on our new and old friends for more words: "Rest in peace, Nate. We can all learn from your kindness and warmth. I'm sorry that you're gone way too soon."

"We would love to share space with other members of Nate's community who loved him like we did. Your words of love and remembrance will provide comfort and strength for his friends and family during this difficult time."