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Drew
Panettieri (photo at right: courtesy of Brittany Paul) |
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Drew
Panettieri (photo at right: courtesy of Brittany Paul) |
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Drew Panettieri,
a soccer player/rower at La Salle High and a 2005 graduate,
passed away March 11, 2006, of injuries suffered in a dirt-bike accident. He was
attending Saint Joseph's University and was pledging the Pi Kappa Alpha
fraternity.
Brittany Paul, who's great friends with Drew's sister,
Heather, requested this
page and said of Drew, "He was a wonderful friend and had the best heart of
anyone I ever knew. I never saw him without a smile on his face. Anyone will
saw that about him."
We welcome your comments about Drew, and they'll be posted below.
Please e-mail them to
silaryt@phillynews.com.
Also, we will gladly post pictures. Those may be sent to the same
e-mail
address.
Thank you very much.
Contributions . . .
Dear Drew,
We had so many great times together that I can always remember with
a smile
on my face. I am so thankful to have known you in my life. From the day I
met you in 8th grade, you had always kept in touch with me, even if it was
just to IM me and say hi. Freshman formal was a blast, and all those times
riding around in that infamous red car. You left behind not only a fantastic
family and friends who loved you, but also a legacy that will never be
forgotten. I miss you, Drew, you touched the lives of so many who love and
miss you.
I'll never forget you, Drew.
Love,
Brittany Paul
----
Big Brother (haha),
I don't really know where to begin....It's lonely feeling like the
only sibling...I still feel like you are at college and will be home for
break. Or that you will walk through the laundry room door for that home
cooked dinner. I can't put my feelings into words right now, but I don't
know how I'm going to make it without you here. I love you and I will
remember all those crazy college stories that all your friends told me
(you thought i would never find out haha) I can't wait to see you
again...
Forever in my heart,
Heath<3
p.s. thanks to everyone for all the support....my parents and I wouldn't
have made it without everyone
----
Dear Drew,
i still can't explain how much i miss you. i thought it would get
better but every time i hear your name or see your picture i'm reminded of
how unfair this all is. its true, only the good die young. i miss you.
i hate myself for ever doing anything wrong to you. & god knows i did.
all i can do is be happy that i met you and was lucky enough to have you
in my life. i just keep replaying the memories. ha ha like when we went
all the way to sourin at 3 in the morning and realized i didn't have my
ID. or ihop breakfasts. or u making fun of me for crying during rent
and then at the end i looked over and you were crying. you were unlike
anyone else. and now no one compares.
- danielle <3
A pic of Drew with Danielle.
----
Drew,
You were the type of person that would do anything for anyone. I wish I
had the chance to help you out like you helped me. No one could ever ask
for a better friend. You always had a smile on your face no matter what you
were doing. You lived your life to the fullest, enjoying ever minute of it.
I remember as it was yesterday, how we all went to the street races in
philly. all of us jumped in my truck and flew down there in the "airplane".
You kept talking about about how you were going to be riding the next day
and you asked us what you should wear, I told you to wear everything you had
and you did. Not knowing that it would be the last time i would be able to
take you for a ride in my truck. That nite I had an instinct that told me I
had to shake your hand and say "I'll c-ya around." Wish I had the chance to
say some more face to face. Your life here on earth had been cut short, but
you have done just about everything that you dreamed, from riding dirt
bikes, working on cars to having tons of friends. You have touched so
many lives while you were here with us. I will always remember you! I hope
to see you again someday.
Your Friend, Your Brother
Sean
----
----
Dear Drew,
There are no words to express how much you are missed, it was
exactly a month ago today and it feels like yesterday. Ive never met
anyone like you and i know i never will again. You were the best date
to the most fun formal ive ever been to. You took me on my first "real
date" to see bad santa, and ill never forget it. i love you so much
drew and miss you more every day...icant wait to see you again.
Love always,
Mary McNamee
----
I knew Drew as a rower and as Heather’s older brother. As
a rower, he
was a really dedicated kid and brought a positive attitude to the river
all the time. Although he couldn’t row all four years, he was absolutely
an influence on the LaSalle Crew team. One thing I remember about Drew
is his constant smile. As Heather’s older brother, I knew Drew
surprisingly well. I knew him better than I knew most older brothers,
because he liked to hang out with us. He would also fix the dvd player
for us whenever Heather asked. Drew was a great kid and a very involved
student. I will be thinking of you and your family.
-- Cole Johanson LaSalle ‘06
----
Drew...
First of all, you are one of my favorite kids I met at LaSalle High
school. Last year we were in those computer classes together and
partners for almost everything. I never really understood ANYTHING, but
with your help still managed an A and 20 minutes every class to mess
around on the computers. I remember looking at cars, stereo systems,
and other stuff on ebay every 8th period. A couple of times we drove to
wawa and always talked about Heather and her friends that you and me had
crushes on. I don't think I have met a kid yet with your level of
optimism. I seriously saw you with a smile on your face 98% of the time
and I really looked up to you in a lot of ways. We had some good times
playing pool down your basement and running into each other on weekends
since I practically lived down your basement. You're whole family was
always so kind and I really felt welcome every time I stepped foot into
your house. You and your sister possess so many qualities that are rare
today and just genuinely loving kids. I really hadn’t seen you since
graduation until march 3rd, 2006 at battle of the bands. I was really
surprised to see you and we must have talked for 45 minutes. You were
doing great at St. Joes and having a crazy time, as expected. I will
next forget the next day….seeing you at Taste of Chaos and you calling
me the day after you got my phone number. We had an awesome time
outside and the concert itself was great. You must have met 15 or so of
my friends in those two days and every single one told me how cool you
were. You have that gift I guess of making friends with everyone you
came in contact with. Thanks for everything you’ve ever done for me
and the hundreds of people you have touched. I have never met a kid so
loving, generous, and un-selfish and you give all of us strength for the
future. I miss you a lot man. It's already been a month and I look at
your picture every morning and night before I go to bed. There are no
words to heal the pain from our loss, but I know all the good you have
created in your life will continue even though you are gone. I am
honored and privileged to have called you a classmate and a true friend.
Drew you live on in the hearts of everyone around you…only the good die
young.
Your friend,
Vince Rizzuto
----
Dear Drew,
I cant believe I am writing this to you. It was only over break that I saw
you,
that we talked about hanging out and partying. It was only over break that
I
spoke to you, and laughed with you, as it was with thousands of your loved
ones. I can’t believe that something like this has happened to you Drew.
But
you know what Drew, you truly lived a remarkable life. I couldn’t really
believe it at first that you were gone, but eventually it set in. And after
the funeral, back at school, I went through all kinds of articles and saw
the
amazing achievements you have accomplished. You played soccer, did crew,
graduated with all of your brothers from lasalle, you played golf, sailed,
went
on people to people, across the world, you went to st. joes where you
pledged a
frat, you did community service both at lasalle and at st. joes. And to add
onto all of that, you lived an incredible life at home. You were an amazing
brother and a remarkable and loved son. You pimped out cars like it was no
ones job, and you had a motorcycle. You loved adventures, and you loved
your
life Drew. And what you did in your life was truly everything you wanted to
do. And the impact it had on so many thousands of people is beyond the use
of
words. So many people love and will miss you Drew, but we will always
remember
the crazy, loving life that you lived. Always smiling and laughing in Mr.
C’s
class, cracking jokes on the way home from the river from crew on the
weekends
with Juliff. Explaining what you did to your cars (which many could not
understand, haha). But what you did during your short but amazing time here
on
Earth Drew, was exactly what you desired. You are a role model to us all,
and
although you are not here, I can feel your presence everyday. I can
remember
over spring break seeing you at LaSalle, and you wanted to hang out so bad.
You even called me Saturday night to go to a concert. I regret never
getting
to be able to then, and i'm sorry for that. I am sorry for never getting to
know you so much better, which I easily could have. But what you have
allowed
all of us to do Drew, is realize that we can not take the life of anyone for
granted, even our own. We should never waste a second with those that we
love,
and tell them that we love them. We have to live life to its fullest, be as
kind hearted as our souls will allow, and have a great time at doing it all.
You were one life Drew, but the impact you had on so many others, like I
said,
is beyond words. You may be gone from us here on earth, but you are forever
in
your friends, your families, and your loved ones hearts. You have allowed
so
many people see the good in their lives, or I hope, and that shows just how
amazing of a person you truly were, how much one life can truly give. I
love
you Drew, rest in peace, and I can’t wait to see you again brother.
Love,
Timmy Dunn, LSCHS ‘05
----
Drew i can honestly say you were the favorite of my
brothers friends.
You were fun loving, GREAT smile, adorable blue eyes and had the cutest
laugh. I always had that "if only he was a little older" crush on you. I
am happy that you came into my brothers life, he always had good things
to say about you. Not only were you great, but you come from an awesome
family. I can clearly remember the random times we would run into
each other at the movies or apple bees, and i was always happy to get a
few minutes to say hi. I do not have to be your best friend to know what
a great person you were, my brother was lucky to have you as a friend,
what happened to you wasn't fair, but you being gone has left such an
impact on everyone, for me, i appreciate my family and friends even more
and im trying to make every moment worth it with them, because you
never know when they will be leaving you. We miss you drew, watch over
us especially your family. We will see you again one day.
Love,
Brittany Schwartz
----
Drew!
words can't explain how much you are missed! you were always making me laugh
whether at 12in the afternoon in between classes or 2 in the morning after a
night out. im missing our online conversations about you and your latest
antics and shenanigans from the "secret motorcycle" to the "secret missions"
in your dorm with buddies (paying a special visitor to surprise a bud on his
birthday).. you always made me laugh and smile while chatting with you
even though i was far from home here in rhode island. not a day goes by when
i
don't think of you and your comedy and the great heart you shared with
everyone. we had some crazy times like all the wild new years eve parties at
your house growing up, the disney world vacation with our families (and of
course your dad off roading like the wild man he is) or the time you taught
us
how to use those crazy bikes down the shore and of course the mopegans and
the
many fun times on the boat! . i loved growing close to you throughout the
past
few years snce we both grew somewhat mature enough to talk about things-
sharing college stories and hanging out at the movies with you cruisin in
"dad's car" since he was out or buying you and a friend some essentials from
muggs (shh- Heather, Richie and Suzanne you didn't hear this)...all of these
great memories will live on drew! i am attempting to make up for your slack
right now here in rhode island at school but you are making it tough on me
and
everyone- creating a void that no one can fill! What happened to you was
beyond
fair! we miss you beyond imaginable! you have opened my eyes to live each
day
to the fullest because you never know! you never know! we miss you dearly
drew! ride on and watch over us-our new angel! you are forever missed and
never forgotten in my heart! See you later one day..
Love,
Kourtney
----
To My Friend, My Brother, and My Angel,
Drew I can't even begin to explain how much you ment to not only me but
everyone that was lucky enough to ever meet you. I'll never forget those
trips to buy all the bikes. I can't believe we drove to Harrisburg in my
truck at six in the morning to get that piece of crap and that you called me
three hours after we got home to come pick you up because it wouldn't stay
running. I remember the trip to center city with Matt to the chop shop to
get a supercharged engine for the grand prix and after we got there you said
you weren't going to buy it. I could have killed you because i thought we
were either all getting killed or robbed or whatever. I look back at it now
and just laugh and then cry and then laugh again because those are just some
of those things that I'll always remember you for the little goofy funny
things we did together. It seems like we never hung out without going to
either Wendy's or any of the numerous pizza places we always went too.
I'll never forget those trips to St. Joe's to go visit you I always looked
forward to going and afterward I always looked forward to the next one
because they just seemed to get better and better. I fell like part of me
was taken that day and I'm still tring to figure out what to do with
myself. I know that our lives will be forever changed. There is one thing
I know for sure and that's YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. I just hope that I
can be a third of the person that you were. I can't wait till the next time
you, me, and the guys can all hang out. I'm sure it's going to be a blast.
Missing You,
Joe
----
To my "brother" angel
Drew,
What an amazing person. Wow, i still cannot believe what happened, it
seriously feels like i saw you yesterday in the kitchen or upstairs in your
room on the computer while i walked by in my towel from the shower or
hanging out in your basement with everyone, and fun times down in cape may!
haha those are just a few of the many awesome memories i have of you. i met
you obviously through heather, and as your family became like my second
family, you became like an older brother to me. we loved having you around
all of us girls, and especially when you brought your friends along haha.
there are so many special qualities about you drew, i could fill up two
pages but everyone already knows how much of an impact you had on each of
our lives. you were so cute, one of the nicest guys i will ever know,
funny, talented, unique, i could go on and on... i really do miss seeing you
at the house tho and walking by your room, it just pains my heart to look in
and not see you there. we ask ourselves why everyday, but until we meet
again in heaven, we dont know why. all we know is thatyou lived his life to
the complete fullest and you changed so many peoples lives in so many ways,
and we thank you for that. ill always be here for heath and your parents, we
all love you so much. you will never be forgotten drew, you had too much of
an amazing life to forget, i know your up there smiling down at us, keep
shining your smile down, you are truly an angel. love and miss you
forever
till the day we meet again, in my heart is where i'll keep you friend <3
love, meg bostwick
----
Dear Drew,
I kept putting this off because I was still hoping you would walk
through your garage door with car keys in hand and that heartwarming smile
on your face asking Heather and all the girls what we were up to that night
or just walk walk down the basement and take a seat where ever and start
talking to all of us like you were there the whole time then leave with
another number in your phone. (we all secretly loved it haha) You were one
of the most amazing people I have ever met; I have NEVER heard a bad word
against you because everyone was mesmerized by you and that smile. I only
wish I could make an impression on a person's life with as much of an impact
as you did every single day of your life and you still are. When you left
us, it brought so many tears, but your memory left us with that many more
laughs. You had it right; you knew how to live life the right way....living
every day like it's your last. You taught us all how to appreciate life
with out even trying, just by being yourself. You were one of those people
that I knew was different from the rest from the moment I met you. haha I
will always remember my first dinner at your house with your family...I
don't think I even ate my dinner because I was laughing so hard and
answering all of your questions. ALL of them. You always loved to drive
Heather crazy, but secretly you were always looking after her like a true
Big Brother. Drew, all of us have our own memories of you and each one shows
what an incredible guy you were in their own unique way. "Tears stream, down
your face,When you lose something you cannot replace." Tears stream because
we miss you and wish you were here with us, but they say everything happens
for a reason...You were lost, but you will never be forgotten, and forever
in our hearts you will remain <3
Please protect us, guide us, and keep us smiling up there* We still need
you. (especially Heather)
Love always,
Chrissy McGlinn
----
dear drew,
even though I only knew you for a little bit, it was a
fun filled few months. You always had a smile on your
face no matter what time of the day it was. It could
be in the middle of the afternoon after long day in
the classroom, early evening after talking with friends
at dinner or 1 in the morning when everyone is
finishing their papers or studying for their tests
that they have the next day. It was also fun seeing
you around because you were always talkative and that
smile on your face made everyone's day at Saint Joes.
You will be surely missed at SJU and by all your
friends and classmates in Sourin Residence.
RIP
THE HAWK WILL NEVER DIE
Ned Dillon SJU 09
----
Drew,
I really don’t even know where to start. Its so unfair that this even
happened.
I keep looking at your pictures and they bring back so many memories. I’m so
lucky to have known you, to have had you as that first special relationship.
We went through so much together in that short time and ill never forget any
of
it. I’ll never forget the day we got in that accident on the way to look at
bikes and how you thought I’d be mad and never talk to you again, so you
called
me everyday for a week just to apologize over and over (haha). Ill never
forget how amazing you made my Junior prom, and then how much fun we had
together at yours. I loved that summer that we spent doing nothing but
driving
around every night, stopping at planet smoothie or central park for hours
just
talking. I remember crying so much when you left to go on your people to
people trip for 3 weeks. It was the first time I realized how much I cared
about you and it scared me to death. It kills me that no amount of tears is
going to bring you back this time. I’m so sorry for how things ended with
us.
I found the letter you wrote me on kairos the other day, and remembered how
you promised me we’d always be friends and you would always be there for me,
and you never let me down once.
Drew thank you so much for being such an amazing friend and such a genuinely
caring person. You mean so much to me and ill never forget you. I miss you
and I’ll love you forever.
Love,
Veronica
----
Dear Drew,
I don't know where to begin. Life is so messed up without you
here. It feels like just the other day when we all jumped into Seans
truck and went down to the street races. One day you are hear the next
day you are gone, I don't know how to explain how I feel. I haven't
only lost my best friend, but I lost my brother. I have learned so much
from you, not only working on cars and bikes, but about how to care for
other people and their feelings. You never had any enemies. You loved
people for how they were on the inside, and not by how they looked, or
weather they had money. You truly had a passion in your heart for making
people feel good and happy. You lived every day like it was your last
day on earth, and you made it look easy. I never noticed how hard and
unfair like really is until I lost you. I know you are no longer on
earth anymore, but you are now my guardian angel looking out for me,
Heather, and everyone else. I don't know what else to say... but that I
will always be here for Heather, your parents, and family. We are all
one family now. I will see you again someday in Heaven. LOST BUT NEVER
FORGOTTEN.
Love,
Matt
----
Drew,
I've been looking at your tribute page for a while contemplating on
what I could possibly put into words about you. Then I just looked at
Chris's away message saying that he was at Mike's which is exactly
where you were the last time that you guys were together over spring
break. What can I even say, you were such an amazing best friend to
Chris and a great friend to me. Yea, you drove me crazy some times but
I still loved you. Even though we only went to the same school for a
few months this year, since Chris went to high school with you I
definitely saw you around. I still remember your graduation party, you
had such a good time that night. We had some great times at St. Joes.
My favorite time was definitely the dance team party and everytime I
look at your facebook, which is a lot because I miss seeing your face,
I'm reminded of that. That was such a fun night. SJU's not the same
without you, who am I supposed to talk about Desperate Housewives
with?? Every time Chris goes to Larry's I automatically assume you're
still going with him.. you guys used to go there practically all the
time! It seems like yesterday when Chris would tell me that he was
going to your house for dinner. And I must say that your family are
some of the most amazing people I have ever met, especially your
parents and sister. I miss you Drew, there's no other way to put it.
I know you're looking down on us, definitely with a huge smile. We'll
always remember you. Here's to a great friend with a big heart. See
you again someday... only the good die young.
Love,
Brittany T. (SJU 09)
----
Drew, Our Angel,
You've changed so many lives with your warm and caring soul and
your smile along with your giving spirit will be remembered forever. Not
only by me, but by hundreds of others. Everyone who has ever met you
knows that you had a great heart and a great soul. I look to you now as
not only a wonderful person, but as a wonderful angel. My memories of
you will forever be held in my heart. No one can explain why things
happened like this, but it comforts me to know that you're watching over
us all, keeping us safe. Protect your parents, and protect Heather
because no matter what you will always be her big brother. Know that I
will always love you and that you will forever be in my heart. I can
only hope that I touch half as many lives as you have.
I love you always, and I'll be seeing you<3
Love,
Jessica
----
Our Dearest Drew:
I would like to tell you how happy you made us feel when you were with
us.
We would always look forward to seeing you when you were home on a
weekend, you made our day.
Your passing has hurt us deeply and our fond memories with you will help
us
go on.
We think of Thanksgiving and celebrating your birthday. We think of our
yearly
trips to New York to see a Broadway show and we thank you for wanting
us there with you. We think about our times in Cape May, remembering the
turkish taffy would bring back from the Promenade with no yellows. We
think about the last time you stopped by chatting about your dinner at
Davios .
The happy times we spent with you can not be replaced. To have you for
nineteen years was the most wonderful gift God could give anyone.
Drew, we still feel your presence and our memories of being with you, if
only for a short time ,we pray will let us carry on.
We will always love you. You will be in our hearts and minds forever.
Love Always,
MomMom & PopPop
----
Dear Drew,
I don't really know how to sum up all the time we have shared together in
these passing years, but when I think about the moments a smile always comes
to my face. To say the least RAP, you were the perfect gentleman. I
remember when Dan introduced us and I thought to myself that I finally met a
guy with such great morals and a stunning personality. You had such a
vibrant personality that people were just drawn to you, especially girls,
I've hardly seen a guy treat a girl the way you did. That is something I
really admired about you, the way you respected all girls, this chivalrous
quality is a characteristic rare for our age but is one of the examples to
show that you were wise beyond your years. Of all the memories we shared,
my fondest were; when you took me to the formal and you could tell I was
nervous because I didn't know many of the people we were with and you smiled
at me and said ?don't worry you look great and I won't leave your side all
night?, you never did my side and that still to this day was one of my
favorite dances. My other favorite memory is driving around in that red car
of yours. I remember how cool we felt in it especially driving in the
summer with the windows all down, who knew driving around in the Barn Plaza
shopping center could be so fun, haha. The best car memory, well for me at
least I don?t think you were too happy over this one, was went you were
driving me and heather to soccer practice and you didn't see the camouflage
Gwynedd parking lot speed bump and we sped over it so fast the car went up
in the air for a second and landed pretty hard. Your face was priceless,
though I don't think you were too fond of us laughing so hard. Anyways,
what I have to say to you drew is that having you as one of my friends has
always been an honor and a blessing. I'm glad that you were in my life and
though you are gone now you will always remain in my heart. God has a
reason for everything he does, and I truly believe God put you in our lives
with full intention of you teaching us a lesson. Drew, I love you and I'm
always praying for you and your family. See you one day RAP.
Love,
Courtney Hogan
----
Dear Drew,
I don't even know where to begin. Looking back at pictures, I
remember the first time we met. Dan and Tom set us up for the LaSalle
winter formal sophomore year. I was really nervous since we hadn't
met but I was put at ease as soon as I saw your smile. You were
officially my first "blind" date lol. I can remember your dad making
jokes the whole time we were at Tom's house (while my mom and all the
parents took millions of pictures) which helped to ease any tension or
awkwardness. I had an awesome time with you at that formal and you
were such a gentleman. We have had so many great memories together
and I can't wait until we see each other again. You were truly one of
a kind and you could light up a room with your smile. I miss you and
you will forever be in my heart.
Love,
Jen Gonsior
----
Dear Drew:
You were born as a beautiful child-grew to be an exceptional
young
man with a twinkle in your blue eyes to your captivating smile. You
lit up
a room by your mere presence,and your sincere personality. You
showed
your love for your family, friends and even casual acquaintances was
genuine.
We all loved you every moment of your mortal life and now
pray for you
in your new and joyful spiritual life.
We will miss you here forever and hope we will all be
together again
after our earthly life.
Peace and love to you as it was in your sunrise; may it
be so in your
sunset forever in the arms and grace of Our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Love for you always.
Pop Pop
----
----
----
Drew,
Brother we all know you're happy, and we all know you're
watching. You could never be forgotten old friend, you will
always be in our hearts. Thank you.
Tom McVey
----
----
Dear Drew,
Ill never forget the day this past summer (August)
when i just got out of the pool to answer my cell
phone and notice a 215 number calling. I wasnt sure
about answer but instead something gave me the feeling
to do so. When i asked who it was the person said "Hey
my names sean im friends with Drew Panettieri". At
first i couldnt catch the name because i never knew
your last name... After conversating with the guy who
claimed to be your best friend I realized it was you.
Then i was informed about your passing. I coulda
dropped the phone. I turned cold and was speechless in
disbelief. When i found out about the dirt bike
accident i could have beaten myself to death because i
had sold you my old blac dirtbike earlier that year.
Although i was told It wasnt on my bike. Oh man was
i upset though, My tears were hidden in the pool water
on my face from close friends who stood/sat around
me. You were the 6th friend i had lost in less then a
8 months at that point to death. I went on days
thinking about the last time we chilled at the art
museum, Infact when i mentioned that to the guy named
sean he said he remembered seeing the picture i took
of our cars and your bike (possibly your BMW also)
posted up on your computer and used as a background. I
was wondering why you hadnt returned all my phone
calls from prior days/months before. But man am i
still shocked til this day. We always had planed to go
dirt bike riding together and party at st.joes.
Needless to say a few days after getting that phone
call and searching for you, I found you in a different
way. I was looking for tools through my garage and i
found the missing plastic peice to my old bike i sold
you. I thought immediately of you... Since i wasnt
notfied of your funeral in time and never got a
memoriam card (sean said he would send me) I now have
this piece of dirtbike history thats legally yours, i
promised i would get it to you when i found it,
hanging above my head board of my bed along with all
my other past friends. I notified TST by making a
thread and some people knew some people didnt but we
ALL MISS YOU . You will NEVER ever be forgotten man
and one day i will ride along side of you again.
your friend always
LJ
aka Gorilla Unit 33
kottonmouthprinc@yahoo.com
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