Fred’s family has established the Frederick Stephens III Memorial Scholarship Fund so that those who wish to contribute to the memory of Fred may do so.‚ Michael Hesamer will be going on trial for Fred Stephen’s murder on March 5, 2009.
At the request of Fred Stephen’s family, I have removed all photos for the time being. Any photos of Fred should be mailed to Marques Johnson at marqueslj@hotmail.com.‚ Below, I have reformatted my original post after I removed the pictures so that it may be easier to understand. My thoughts are with the Stephens family during this time of tragic loss.
Fred Stephens Murder Original post from Tuesday morning February 5th, 2008
Faryar Faramarzi has requested that I post some very sad news to my site today. I have never written about someone that I know who has passed on before and I know I will not be able to do the man justice, but I’ll try.
A friend of mine from when I lived in Sigma Chi fraternity was apparently murdered late Saturday night. Faryar sent me an email and an instant message this morning letting me know and giving me a link to the article.
Frederick Stephens III, 25, was in a hot tub around 1 am when a fight allegedly broke out between Fred and his friend Michael Hesamer, 23 in the recreation center of the apartment complex where they both lived in Lake Oswego. A medical call was placed and the medics had the police come after Fred was found drowned.
Michael Hesamer has an arraignment today at Clackamas County Courthouse. Mr. Hesamer will likely face murder or manslaughter charges.
Fred Stephens was a great guy, never violent and rarely even rough-housed much during the time that I spent with him. If Michael Hesamer was his friend, I think that there was a good chance that the heat of the hot tub, playing around and perhaps alcohol were involved. I will not speculate though until further details come out.
Fred Stephens was a great guy and I am extremely shocked by his death. I have never had a friend die before and I feel numb still. I hadn’t talked to Fred recently, but when we lived in the fraternity I spent a good deal of time getting into all sorts of adventures with him, Faryar, Marques and the other guys.
Fred has left many people behind who cared very much for him. He was one of the most sociable people that I know and was friends with literally hundreds of others in the UW community alone. Fred Stephens graduated from Bellarmine Prep in 2000, received a degree in Chemistry in 2004 from the University of Washington and also attended UW for grad school, recently receiving a degree in Health Services Administration.
I have rarely known anyone who was as kind, funny, adventurous and popular. Fred had a great heart and his death leaves the world a significantly grayer place than it was before.
My heart goes out to Fred’s little brother Ramone at this time, I know he really looked up to Fred and appreciated his influence in his life.
I think the saddest thing is that I can hear Fred’s voice in my head making fun of my post and telling me what to say.
RIP, Fred Stephens, you will be missed.
February 5 Update:
I have been amazed by the amount of people who have been affected by Fred’s death. I posted this blog this morning just expecting my usual readers to see it, but more people have responded to this post than to any other I have ever had. His life touched so many people in so many ways. If I hear when and where his funeral or memorial service are I will post it here, though it seems that Fred’s social grapevine will carry the info even faster.
February 7 Update:
I first posted this blog at Faryar’s suggestion when I first heard of Fred’s death on Tuesday morning. I felt like I had been hit by a ton of bricks and just shared what I was thinking. People began to find my post and started to share how they felt as well. Fred Stephens passing has left so many people behind who loved him dearly. This blog posting had so many people coming to look at it that my server nearly crashed; I had 35 times as many visitors in one day as I have ever previously received in a day and a nearly unbelievable 2,700 visitors have come in the last two days. Many people who cared for Fred have left comments as well and I have read them all, it’s heartbreaking. Fred Stephens is sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
Further information on the trial and Fred Stephen’s alleged murderer:
A Clackamas County grand jury is considering the charges against Michael Hesamer in Frederick Stephens III’s death. Michael Hesamer is currently being held in the Clackamas County jail on charges of second manslaughter (though these will likely be changed to murder) and his bail is set at $250,000. More details on Michael Hesamer have emerged recently. Mike Hesamer was 23 years old and had attended Lane Community College and was active in Young Life Ministries. At the time of Fred’s murder, Mike was working for an auto dealership. Mike Hesamer had grown up in the Lake Oswego community (the area he and Fred lived) and had attended Lakeridge High School where he had been a football player. Mike Hesamer had participated in numerous Young Life (a Christian student program) and had gone on a mission to Mexico and various camps in Canada. David Hesamer, Mike’s father, described him as the most kind and gentle person he knew. David Hesamer also said that Mike had been friends with Fred and is “at a loss as to what happened.”
Faryar Faramarzi on Frederick Stephens IIIFebruary 5 1:07 pm:
In the past few hours I have been informed of Fred’s tragic death. We have all lost someone very close to us. Fred Stephens was one of the most genuine, kind-hearted and easy going people I have ever met. Fred would never hurt a fly and he was always up for having a good time. He loved being with his friends and helping them out in any way he possibly could. Thats why this is so shocking to me cause incidents like this should not happen to people like Fred. Anyone who ever had the pleasure to hang out with Fred knows that as soon as this guy walked into a room his smile would light up the room and I can’t remember seeing him sad or unhappy even once in my life. I remember taking Management 320 with Fred Stephens at UW and he would walk into that classroom everyday with a huge smile on his face and that instantly made my day better as well. I also remember when we were groomsmen at Ali’s wedding and we were drinking, partying and telling jokes all night. Fred, I love you man and I really miss you and I know a lot of other people do as well. I can’t believe you’re gone but I know you are in a better place. My heart goes out to everyone who knew Fred, especially his family and his younger brother Ramone.
RIP Brother
Marques Johnson requests photos for memorial:
Marques published the following in a bulletin on MySpace and I put it up here because so many people who knew Fred making comments and sending me photos.
Hello friends,
As I’m sure you all know we’ve lost a great friend in Fred Stephens recently. I’m not going to use this as my forum to express my grief, sadness or frustration regarding his loss, but I do make this request:
I’ve just spoke with his family and they are planning on creating a video/digital tribute in memory of Fred. If you have any digital photos of Fred (appropriate of course) that you think his family, and us his friends, would enjoy please email them to me and I’ll pass them along for his family to incorporate.
My email address is marqueslj@hotmail.com
Thank you on behalf of myself and the Stephens family
Fred Stephens Funeral and Memorial Services
Thursday, February 14, 2008, 2:00pm-8:00pm
Viewing
Southwest Mortuary
9021 Rainier Ave. So.
Seattle, WA 98118
Friday, February 15, 2008, 11:00am
Funeral Services
First A.M.E. Church
1522 14th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
Update February 15: Funeral Service for Frederick Stephens III
I took the day off work today to attend Fred Stephens funeral. It was held at the First African Methodist Evangelical Church on the corner of Madison and 14th Ave. When I arrived there was a long line leading up to the entryway to the church and so I stood in the back with a guy I hadn’t seen in quite a while, Matt Gerken and eventually we made it in and signed the guest book. So many people were already there that they had run out of programs. When I walked in the large sanctuary was already packed full of people who knew and cared for Fred. Since I was by myself I managed to squeeze into a pew near the back, but several dozen more people had to wait for chairs to be brought out. The service began shortly thereafter and was like none I have attended before. The only other times I have been to funerals were for elderly relatives and usually there wasn’t very many people and the ones who were there were very aged. Probably 4-500 people were in attendance to remember Fred and almost everyone (aside from his relatives) were between the ages of 20-30. The service itself was very lively and the pastor made a point that this ceremony was to celebrate Fred’s life and not just to feel bad about his passing. My own dad was a pastor and so I have been to innumerable sermons, but I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone who was as powerful of a speaker as the Reverend who led this service. Perhaps part of his charisma came from the fact that he had personally known Fred. The service was very uplifting and watching the video/ photo tribute to Fred affected everyone in the room. Fred’s charm, open spirit and giant smile has touched so many people. If he had been able to live out the full life he deserved, Fred could have really changed the world. Many people have that said about them and for most of them it isn’t true, but Fred had the talent, intelligence and charisma to do anything he wished. Losing Fred is tragic, but the Reverend had a good point that those left behind should not just feel sorry for themselves, but should pick up Fred’s dreams and start to make a difference in the world like Fred did. After the funeral service, I talked to dozens of people that I haven’t had contact with in years and was amazed at the reach that Fred Stephens life had.
Please feel free to share your stories, experiences and memories of Fred Stephens below in the comments.
The very first time I met Fred, I vividly remember thinking to myself, “this guy is nicer than any guy I think I have ever met, and he has the biggest smile I have ever seen!”. His ability to delve into deep conversation with anyone, even if they were a stranger, was just one of his many remarkable qualities. I was lucky enough to be one of those people. I wish terribly that I could recall what it was that he and I discussed on that night we first met, but I know it was one of the best conversations I have ever had. I am comforted in remembering his face, with that huge smile, and knowing that I had just met someone that I would never forget. After that first meeting, I think I only saw him a few more times, but to this day I can so clearly remember him and that says so much. He touched everyone who had the privilege of being in his presence and will never be forgotten. We will miss you, Fred.
Fred, you were like an older brother to me. Whenever I saw you, whether it be on campus, at the house, or at our family lunches, you always had a big ol’ smile on your face which immediately made me light up! You were so kind and sweet to me, and I will never forget that. You were an amazing man, Fred, and my heart aches knowing that so many people in the world won’t get a chance to know you or that sensational personality of yours because of this tragedy. However, I know that God will use you and this loss as a light to those who were fortunate enough to have ever been in your presence. I know you’ll watch over me in heaven, just as you would if you were here. I love you.
Until we meet again,
Melissa
This is a tragic event in all of our lives. I knew Mike since 5th grade and have met Fred numerous times around Lake Oswego, as well as up at UW. Both had very charismatic personalities and both have touched many lives. My heart goes out to Fred’s family and to all of you who knew Fred more than I. I don’t expect many of you to believe me, but Mike does have a kind heart. I also want to point out one thing with the blog. Above in Red it’s stated that Mike pulled Fred into the hot tub to drown him. If that was the case Mike would be charged with Murder and not Second Degree Manslaughter. Second Degree is applied when manslaughter is accidental. I know it is tough to jump to conclusions with what truly happened that morning, but it is now in the hands of the judicial system. I again send my deepest regards to all of you who have lost Fred as a friend or family member.
Fred you are a one of a kind man and there is no one else’s face that I can recall more easily than yours (especially with that goofy grin). There is too much to say about you to put here, so I’ll just recount my favorite story and know that you hear the rest in thoughts.
I was flying back from palm springs during spring break on Southwest (first come, first serve seating) and was a bit late to board. I saw two guys a ways back with an empty seat between them and realized it was Fred & Ramon! The two of them were making a stop on the way home from Vegas and were on the same flight as me… We laughed and joked so loudly the entire time until eventually the stewardess had to quite us down. The only problem is that she was no match for Fred’s charm and wit. She ended up loving us and brought the three of us drinks.
I guess what I’m saying Fred is that the second you spoke to anyone you made them feel special and as if they had known you for years. I met you through Ramon, love you both as my own brothers, and cherish every memory of you.
If anyone has questions or concerns about the facts of this terrible tragedy, please email me, sean.mich.buchanan@ gmail.com or give me a call. 425.830.5762. at this point, I’m sure the Stephens family would appreciate some time to themselves for this period of mourning. I will be organizing a vigil, as well as contacting people to make them aware once a service is established. Thank you, and love to all.
Sean
Honestly, this is the hardest thing that i have ever written. Fred’s friendship meant so much more to me than i ever really realized. Its one of those things that doesnt hit you until its too late… And now, it is…
We had lost touch over the past few years, but Fred and I went to high school together and then in college, he and I ended up living in the 17th Ave Christian mens house during our freshmen year. I can still remember the first day i walked into the house and I saw his amazing smile. Neither of us knew the other was living there and we both acted as a foundation for eachother throughout the entire first year of college. On my 21st birthday, Fred and I attended the yearly party Jacked Up at our soon-to-be fraternity Sigma Chi. We made a pact that night that we would see each other through this next chapter in our lives too… and signed with the house together. Along with a few other fraternity brothers, we became inseperable. I always remember people coming up to me and asking “Where’s Fred?” Like I was supposed to keep tabs on him… Just thinking about that makes me smile. We ended up getting a house together a year later and once again, became inseperable.
In the end, I can honestly 150% say, that Fred made me a better person. He made everyone around him a better person. His love for life was infectious, his smile was infectious, he was an amazing person. It really hit me hard last night, after the shock wore off, that I will never again get to see his smile, or hear his laugh, or be in his company, and so I wanted to share with all of you, what Fred meant to me.
Fred: I dont know what comes next in life, but I know that whatever it is, you are there smiling, and laughing, and making everyone around you feel like they are the most important people there. I will never forget you brother…
Your friend,
Pete Christman
We’ll miss you terribly, Freddie. I will always remember the ear to ear smile you seemed to wear every second of every day. Your kindess, warmth, humor and optimism impacted all those who came into your life. Your time has come far too early, but you will not be forgotten. Rest easy, my friend.
Mark McLean
Upsilon Upsilon Sigma Chi, class of 2002
I have been in complete disbelief over this tragedy since I heard the news late Sunday evening. My emotions have gone from sadness, to depression, to frustration, to anger and back since I recieved that phone call. I don’t know how such a terrible thing can happen to someone who was so kind, generous, outgoing, hard-working, caring and full of life.
We had some amazing times in the few short years we knew each other, and I plan to go through my pictures and post them to help me cope. I will not forget the times we spent together for a whole week during initiation. I will never forget that amazing Summer of 2002 we had at Sigma Chi and our memorable trips to Whistler. I will never forget your trademark smile and your ability to make anyones day brighter. Last, but not least, I will not forget your constant words of encouragement and your support of me and my ambitions. I will dedicate my future endevors to your memory.
Its pains me to no end to see such potential go unfulfilled. You were a great friend and brother, and your memory lives on through those that knew you and cared about you.
Rest in peace my friend. I hope to see your smile again.
Jeff
This is unbelievable. Fred was one of the ultimately genuine people I’ve met. Big smile, bigger heart. Fred was so many more things than I could possibly think of right now, but one thing he was is a great friend. My thoughts are with his family.
Thank you, Fred, for being such an incredible, genuine, charming and positive man. You have impacted so many people’s lives in such a short time, and you will never ever be forgotten. Your kind soul and that unbeatable grin will continue to make all of us smile as we honor you forever. So much love… kn
I have been in disbelief since I recieved the news late Sunday. I can’t help but be angry, yet I feel tremendously blessed to have known you and been your friend. It is a mystery how someone as kind, genuine and full of life could be taken like this, and at this point in your life. It pains me to no end to see such potential go unfulfilled.
You were a great friend and brother. You had a glow about you that cannot be put into words, and your smile could instantly make any day brighter. Your heartfelt words of encouragement and support of my ambitions meant more to me than you will ever know. I will dedicate future projects and endevours to your memory.
Rest in peace brother. Hope to see that smile again.
Jeff
Unfortunately, it is these types of events that make each one of us put our lives in perspective. Sadly, tragedies occur, and the worlds seem to fall from underneath us. However, do not free fall with the pain but rather grab onto those close to you and be thankful that you had the opportunity to know a man as great as Fred. The world may seem like a darker place now…but instead look at it as an opportunity to pick up where Fred left off. We owe it to Fred and ourselves to make the world a brighter place in his stead. We should be greatful to Fred for showing us how to accomplish just that.
RIP – Brother
Oh Fred… That smile… Every time I think of you I see that smile. I think it’s the biggest most sincere one I’ve ever seen. I really enjoyed working with you while it lasted. I wish I could hear you say “willy nilly” one more time.
God Bless you and your family.
The world was blessed to have your smile and soul a part of it… I was lucky to have been touched by your kindness.
I’ve written this over and over again. I can’t do Fred any justice. We’ve all had an opportunity to enjoy him in our lives, and now we’re left with only the fondest of memories. Fred was younger than me but I couldn’t help but look up to him. He approached life with an unparalleled zeal. His charisma was infectious, as was his smile and laughter. I think that nearly everyone on campus new him by name, more impressive was that he knew them by name as well. All of his interactions were so genuine. Fred was a genius. He would attend every social event while acing all of his courses. We took classes together for a couple of years before it came up that he was in the honors program. Extremely intelligent, while entirely modest. I would have him down to parties at TKE, we weren’t supposed to do that. After Fred had came a few times though, people began to ask me where he was because he made the parties better for everybody.
The last time that I saw Fred, the last time I will ever see Fred, was at a Husky football home game. He saw me first and I heard him call out “Parker” a few times. I hadn’t seen him in a few months but I knew without seeing him who was calling my name. I couldn’t be happier to see anyone, and we embraced like brothers. We hadn’t planned on meeting up that day, but I’m so fortunate that we did. I wouldn’t want to remember Fred any other way.
Fred, I love you. You were destined for so many great things. Thank you for all of you support and love over the years. I am truly saddened that I didn’t make more of an effort over the last few years but you have taught me never to make that mistake again.
My condolences to Fred’s family and friends, we lost a truly unique and amazing young man.
Jake Parker
as i am reading all of these messages i am reminded of all the wonderful qualities of fred. he touched so many people and lifted their spirits. that fred smile…it was infectious.
fred, marques and i took a poetry class together, taught by a eccentric santa clause of sorts. every student in that classroom was in awe of fred, his charisma, his depth but most of all his kindness. one day about a week into the quarter we were required to read our poems to the class. one daring student volunteered to go first and as he finished his 20 lines fred began to clap. fred was the only one who had the impulse to cheer on a classmate. everyone turned to look and saw that huge smile, watched fred glance mischieviously at marques and begin to chuckle as he realized he was a lone clapper. everyone else followed suit and from that point on we applauded each other after each reading. that is just what fred did, reminded us to be each other’s champions. he was a leader, a lover and brave young man.
our world is a little brighter because someone like fred was here. we understand what positive thinking can accomplish, we have learned the friendships we are capable of, that genuine kindness still exists and most importantly that you never show up to see your grandma without a collar on your shirt and your pants ironed.
you were loved and still inspire.
lindsey ‘GARDINER’ guevara
I am so sad to hear of this tragedy. Fred was such a kind, genuine, and loving person, and I know he will never be forgotten. I’ll always remember his positive and charismatic personality and I have countless great memories of him from college, as do many of us! He inspired everyone… and I can still picture his smile and hear his contagious laugh after so many years! My heart goes out to his family and friends. It is unfortunate that the world lost such an amazing person. We all love and miss you!
Rule 76 No excuses play like a champion
That was his motto. And I think that’s what he would have wanted to tell us if he got the chance. I miss my older brother.
Oh My Neighbor. I miss you. Every little second. I wish I could hear your feet stomping around. Its amazing how comforting that sound was. I miss your smile and the wake up calls I got every morning. You were always so happy and smiling, even when it was snowing! Fred, you always told me that “it was a pleasure” but you have no idea how much of a pleasure it was knowing you. Everytime I hear the stairs I wish it was you, and I want you to know I miss you. You are the greatest of the great, the most honorable person I have even known and had the honor to spend time with. The time we knew eachother was so short, but it felt like we knew eachother for years! You and your napkin on your lap and how you just don’t like salad dressing! Or when I burnt the steak and you said it was delicious no matter what. I wish i could see you, or hear you or see your smiling face. You will forever be remembered. The greatest of the great. I know you are in a better place, heaven. and I can’t wait to see you there. RIP.Fred . I miss you. and thank you for everything.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Fred, but i consider my self a close friend to both chris and mike and this is shocking news to all of us here in Eugene. I hope God grants peace to Freds family and friends. He sounds like the kind of man that was very loved for very good reason. I am sorry for your loss.
RIP