RIP Alex Heidengren - Update

Death is always tragic even when death is the only healing possible. When a young person dies, the sense of tragedy is multiplied. I seldom post on the death of anyone, but this one tugged at my heart in a remarkable way.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Alexander James Heidengren who died while working as a councellor at a Christian camp. Alex is the son of the Rev'd and Mrs. John Heidengren. Fr. Heidengren is rector of Prince of Peace in Aliquippa, Penn.

UPDATE: The Pittsburg Post Gazett has published this:

Authorities in Wisconsin have not determined the cause of death of a Beaver County teen and Wheaton College student whose body was found late Saturday in a lake on the college's camp site.

Alexander J. Heidengren, 18, had been reported missing at 10:50 a.m. Saturday in Three Lakes, Wis., a town that is home to the ministry camp operated by Wheaton College of Illinois.

Police in Three Lakes organized an intensive search with various agencies in the region, and search dogs led recovery teams to the edge of Long Lake.

Divers using sonar and underwater cameras located the body at 9:25 p.m., more than 11 hours after Mr. Heidengren was reported missing.

Three Lakes police and the Oneida County, Wis., medical examiner still are investigating the cause of death.

Mr. Heidengren was about to enter his sophomore year at Wheaton College. He had been serving as a camp counselor during the summer.

Remember his family in your prayers.

Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved, that they may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a reasonable and holy hope, in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love. Amen.

Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting. Amen.

Grant us grace to entrust Alex to thy never-failing love; receive him into the arms of thy mercy, and remember him according to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people. Amen.

Grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, he may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
And light perpetual shine upon him.