James Wayne Conner, 71, Sebastian

‘Tragic, sudden loss,’ – Memorials emerge for teen killed in ATV crash

With the sudden death of Sebastian River High School student Jake Beecher still fresh, family, friends, teammates and coaches continue to come to terms with the tragic crash that took his life. "He was well-liked by teammates and was extremely coachable. His coaches and teammates are taking it pretty hard," Sebastian River High School Athletic Director Jessica Upchurch said. "He was an overall good kid who had a passion for football." Family and friends created makeshift memorials for Beecher, 15, of Vero Beach, who relatives said aspired to be a pilot. Sebastian River High School dedicated Beecher, a sophomore, as "athlete of the week" following his death.   One memorial placed in front of the school campus had flowers, silver ...

Family to file suit in case where caregiver fathered child of disabled woman

The father of a mentally disabled woman from Sebastian took several deep breaths as he spoke Monday about his daughter being sexually battered at least twice at a Rockledge group home, leading her to birth a son in 2015. Robert Blanchard, a Purple Heart decorated Vietnam veteran, and family attorney Kevin Smith announced they will file a lawsuit this week against the facility, Bridges Inc. Last week, Brevard County Sheriff's deputies arrested 58-year-old Willie Fred Shorter, on a charge of lewd and lascivious battery of a disabled adult. "We will take every action to hold the facility responsible," Smith said. *Click the audio icon in the lower right hand corner for sound.    Shorter - who worked as a caregiver ...

Memorial planned for hiker who died in Colorado

VERO BEACH — The family of a man who died after falling off a mountain in Colorado will have a memorial for him this weekend. Ryan Marcil, 26, and his girlfriend, Carlin Brightwell, 27, both of Aspen, died sometime between Aug. 20 and Aug. 22 after they fell off the Capitol Peak mountain in Colorado, officials said. The two were reported missing Aug. 20 and found dead Aug. 22 by a National Guard helicopter. The memorial will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at South Beach Park at 1704 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach, according to a Facebook event page made by family members. There will be live music and a microphone for anyone who would like to share ...