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.
Fred I love you so much Bro!!!!!!! Why did this happen to you ?? Why didn’t I make it to Portland to see you? We shared so many good times, so many!! I thought we would grow old together. I don’t know what happened but I wish I could of been there to help you! I love you man !! see you when I get there…. R.I.P Fred Stevens the third
All of these comments are truly a testament to what a great guy Fred was. He had a way of making everyone feel like they were his best friend. He will be missed.
RIP Fred, I know there is special place reserved for amazing people like you.
I cant believe that something like this could happen to such an incredible individual. Fred had integrity and a giant heart. He was a friend to everyone, so intelligent, cared deeply about his friends and family, and had such an infectious laugh and smile. I remember when I “played” Fred in a sigma chi skit, I was the only one without lines. I just held up a giant cut out smile over my face to obviously symbolize his constant laughter and ear to ear grin. Fred, your radiant smile will never be forgotten and will always be missed. Like many, I am lucky to have had your friendship. This is truly a terrible loss. My heart goes out to his family.
It is such a tragedy and I am can barely grasp the concept of this lost. I am so glad I had the pleasure to meet Fred and become his friend. I will never forget the times we spent together and all the times he made me laugh. He was one of the politest people I’d ever met, with so much class. I’m so greatful to have so many memories and am so happy when I picture his huge glowing smile.
My heart goes out to his family and everyone who loved him for this terrible loss.
Although words cannot do justice to you Fred, I will try to describe what you meant to many of us.
A man of unwavering disposition, Frederick embodied everything that is inherently good in this world. His grin was as contagious as it was unforgettable.
His moral fortitude stood stronger than a tree, and yet he never once passed a judgment.
His body may have passed from this earth, but his spirit will burn in the hearts of many for generations to come.
Fred accepted all of us for who we are, and instilled in us the faith that we all need in ourselves to carry on. He blazed a trail through this world, while blessing countless hearts along the way. Frederick was taken from us too soon, but the way we have him live on is to never stop loving him.
To quote the French poet Alfonse De Lamartine – “Grief knits two hearts in closer bonds than happiness ever can; and common sufferings are far stronger links than common joys.â€
In this time of confusion and sadness, we need nothing more than the comfort of the people we love. Let us all soon come together and celebrate the brilliant life of Frederick Stephens III.
We will miss you Fred.
I am still in shock to what has happened to our dear friend Freddy (as I use to call him). Many of my college memories at the University of Washington included Freddy and his brother Ramone. I cannot even begin to imagine what their family is going through at this time. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Stephens family, Ramone and Akash who I know also saw Freddy like an older brother. Freddy was such an amazing and talented man with a great big smile and infectious voice that you could never get out of your head. He was always the life of the party and wanted everyone to have a good time. So many good times and memories were had with Freddy that I will never forget. Your life will be celebrated for eternity…
How crazy to think what a close family we all became in college. After getting the phone call the other morning i sat there for a while just sick to think anything like this could happen to such an amazing person. One of those people that stick out in your mind so much as someone this just isn’t supposed to happen to. What a giant heart and spirit he truly had. I can’t get the sound of his voice saying my name out of my head, and especially the thought of his constant smile that I truly don’t think i ever saw him without in the years i’ve known Fred. What an amazing gift to have been able to call Fred my friend. I will never forget all the spring break and sweetheart trips, all the crazy dances with you in the middle of the dancefloor, just hanging out at the house, and the ridiculous amounts of laughter and fun we all shared.
Fred, i will never forget the sound of your contagious laughter, that smile that always filled the room, your gentleness, kindness, amazing all-around friendship, and of course the look on your face everytime i strolled in with another ridiculous outfit on. I will love you forever and never ever forget you. You touched my life and my heart, and you were part of my family in college, and i thank you for for that. You are truly unforgettable
What an amazing family you had to be the incredible person you were, to so many people. My heart and prayers go out to all of you
It is in those moments, the ones in between the tears that I feel close to Fred. I am blessed with his memory each time I can share a smile. Fred’s untimely death will change our lives forever. May Fred’s smile remain on your heart and in your mind; forever and always. My heart, love, and prayers go out to the family and those who loved him.
I had the pleasure of meeting Fred a few years ago through his brother Ramon. Ramon and I have been best friends for a few years and he introduced me to my husband, Jason. Jason and I had the pleasure of having Ramon and Fred in our wedding. The Stephens have always been Jason’s second family and I know that Jason loved Fred as a brother. Fred’s life should not have been taken so suddenly and especially this inhuman. I know he is pissed that he is dead, but I honestly believe he is in a better place. Fred loved life and the people that he surrounded himself with. He was good to everyone! Fred was a unique individual, with a great personality, wonderful sense of humor, very intelligent, contageous smile and laugh, easy going, he had a big heart, and was a wonderful friend. Fred, you have touched every persons life that you have come in contact with. You were a beautiful person and will never be forgotten. Thank you for all the good memories and mostly for just being you. Jason and I will miss you dearly! There will never be another Fred Stevens.
Arbor,
Thank you for the positive impact you had on my life & the lives of everyone lucky enough to have met you. I’ll always remember that big ol smile that lit up the whole city & that contagious laugh that would get me going until I had tears in my eyes. You were a model human being & I looked up to you. Still do. I love you Fred.
I remember Fred being super cool, really fun, and ridiculously friendly. He’ll be missed for sure!
Fred, you are one of the most thoughtful and considerate people I have ever met. Even though its been 5 or so years, I can’t think of a single memory of you without that smile! You impacted so many people in so many positive ways. All these comments are a testament to the great person you are.
In college Sigma Chi was a huge part of my life, and therefore Fred and I spent a lot of time together. I’ll never forget all our wonderful memories. He is truly an amazing person who has been part of shaping who I am today. Love you Fred! You’ll never be forgotten.
Thanks Joel!
Nat
Joel ( I hope this is the young ladies name who posted this) I am writing this on behalf of my whole family. We really want to Thank you and everyone who has took the time to post something on this site and are truly sending there love out to us at this time. Fred will always be remembered!!!
You and Ramon are my brothers. Your family has always been like a second family to me. Fred you have taught me more than you will ever know. You are the big brother i never had and i loved you as if you were blood. I find myself in a sureal trance as i write this. I just cant beleive you are gone. I cant get out the image of your huge bright smile that almost defines every thing you were. You gave me so much advice that to this day has helped make who I am. At my wedding you took me aside and told me that as my brother not my friend that you were happy and proud of me and it kills me to think that was the last time i saw you, but i am so happy that you, ramon, and I had that time together. It still rings in my ear “damn I look better as a groomsman then you do as the groom” whats sad is that you did. As a my big brother not just a friend i am so proud to say i knew you and you have touched my life in so many ways. I will do everything i can to get home and be there for your family and Ramon. I love you Fred and will miss you.
Fred was the man. He was a much better person than I am. I keep thinking not only of his smile, but the sly look he used to have when he was reading between the lines of a social situation and knew what was really going on. Every time I caught him with that look there was a big burst of laughter to follow. He was really smart that way and in a lot of ways. I feel like he was the type of guy that was going to make a positive impact on a lot of peoples lives in the future as he has on all of our lives. It is so unfortunate to lose him in such a tragic way. This whole thing is almost surreal. It is a real eye opener for me to surround myself with the right kind of people. Maybe that is his permanent impact. I’m sure this will affect a lot of people differently and hopefully we will all be better people for it. Thanks Fred.
I still can not believe that Fred is gone. I heard the news early Monday morning on my way to work . I was shocked and in tears and went back home. Fred is my son’s best friend and like a brother to my daughter,Sara and like a son to me. He was a wonderful , well brought up person, Fun, polite,a gentelman by all means and full of life. He loved to come to our house and have my food . His favorite was the persian bread and cheese which he even asked for it when Ali was visiting him a month ago. I feel sick to my stomach to know that he was murdered in a such harsh way . He intouch with Sara Just a couple of hours before this happens to him to wish Sara Happy birthday and asks Ali to visit him the following week. Sara has been crying and not able to function since she has heard the news.I can not function since I heard the news. He was Ali’s g
Groom’s man in his wedding and his picture is popping up on my computer screen all the time with his big , beautiful smile. I can not believe this has happen to someone like him. It is alway hard to lose some one you love , but to lose some one like this!!!!!!!!!!The pain I feel in my heart Is … and I am sure it is not near what His mother and father and brother is feeling. I am very sorry for your lost, our lost. My heart goes to the Mother and I am here if you need me for anything, any time.
My dear fred, we all miss you.
Shideh
Fred,
You were there with me since the first day of me rushing Sigma Chi. Whistler will never be the same with out your smile. You friendship meant a lot to me and I just wish I didn’t take the future for granted so much. I thought you’d would just be around for me to run into when I was in the area. The world will be be a little darker with out you there to brighten it up.
Jimbo
PB for life
Thank you for the smiles, laughs, jokes, dancing, conversations, family dinners and so much more. My heart goes out to everyone that has been affected by this horrible situation that has come upon us. Fred, sweetie, you will never be forgotten and will be terrible missed. I am just so thankful that I did get a hug on Saturday. xoxoxo.
Sad. Shocking. Unreal. How can you come up with words to describe a situation like this? Fred, no one who knew you will EVER forget your smile and enthusiasm for life. I honestly can’t remember a conversation with you that wasn’t accompanied by a laugh or a smile. You are and forever will be deeply missed. Rest In Peace, brother.
Cory Brewer
Sigma Chi – ’03