The University of Arizona athletics family mourns the loss of baseball player Kelsey Osburn, who died July 17 from injuries sustained July 11 while playing the game he loved.
The University has treated this tragedy as a private matter for the Osburn family rather than UA web-site news.
The wrenching eloquence in the words of a grieving mother, father and brother put that issue in perspective:
Statement From Mike, Emily and Chaun Osburn
"It is difficult to put into words our feelings about the events of the last week. The outpouring of love and compassion from people all around the country has comforted us greatly and we thank you all for your prayers and your thoughts.
"Kelsey has valiantly fought to stay with us, but the strength of his athletic body has not been enough to overcome the devastating injury to his brain. Although 20 years was not long enough to have had him, we are grateful for the quality of his life and for the unqualified love we will always feel for him and from him.
"The doctors and nurses at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., have given Kelsey the best possible care. We are indebted to them for their kindness and professionalism during these many days we have spent at Kelsey's side.
"Kelsey's teammates and coaches, both from Tucson and from summer teams, have flown to Rochester where possible and called daily when it was not possible for them to be here. We have again been buoyed up by the quality of these young men and their love for our son.
"We are hopeful that Kelsey can live on through the sharing of his organs with those who need them. We know Kelsey would have wanted to give life to others.
"The veil of our very private lives has been momentarily pierced by the very public nature of this tragedy and the need to share information about Kelsey's condition with all those who have cared so much about him. As we now retreat to the privacy of our family, please know that we will carry with us forever all the love and caring that this tragedy has brought into our lives. We once again convey our heartfelt appreciation for all your expressions of concern to our family. They have carried us through this difficult and sorrowful time."
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The Osburn family has established a Kelsey Osburn Memorial Player Fund in lieu of other expressions of sympathy. Additional information will be available through the University of Arizona athletics department.
