Thursday, February 24, 2011

College Mourns Death of Chase Gaddy

The Austin College community is saddened by the death of freshman Chase Gaddy of Dallas in a motorcycle accident Wednesday, February 23, in Sherman. The accident occurred east of Sherman on Highway 82.

"It is with a heavy heart that I share this sad news with our community," said Austin College President Marjorie Hass. "I know our students, faculty, and staff join me in prayers of comfort for Chase's family and friends."

Chase was a resident of Baker Hall, a diver on the Austin College swim team, and had participated in Austin College football in the fall. He was a member of Hank Gorman's Communication/Inquiry freshman seminar class.

Wake/Viewing were held on Sunday, February 27 at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home on Northwest Highway.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, February 28 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Abrams.

Read the obituary from The Dallas Morning News.

Link to the Austin College press release.

70 comments:

  1. I don't think I've ever met anyone as generally pleasant and upbeat as Chase. I lived next door to him for more than a semester, and never saw him without a smile in his face, late at night or early in the morning. He was a great man, and I'll miss him. I'm sure everyone else who knew him will too.

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  2. He was a wonderful teammate and a great friend. I was lucky enough to know Chase for 4 years, and i will never forget the memories i've had with him. I know everyone in the Bishop Lynch community loves and misses him already. Rest In Peace buddy.. you left us too soon

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  3. May God bless the Gaddy family with peace and understanding in these most difficult times.

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  4. Chase Gaddy was an accomplished person with so many personal characteristics to admire. He was the sparkle in his father's eyes. May the Gaddy family find peace and may God bless them all.

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  5. May his soul and all the souls of the dead have rest. in his heavenly name........AMEN

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  6. I didn't know Chase that well, but for the little time I did, he seemed like a wonderful human being...so genuine, funny, kind and intelligent. He was always happy and smiling. I will sorely miss getting to see him in class.

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  7. Chase was an amazing person and I had the pleasure of knowing him all through Grade school, he was a dear friend to me and I'm sad that he is gone. I loved him and he was a great friend!

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  8. Tim Mathews; Class of 1987, Former Coach.February 24, 2011 at 1:05 PM

    ...a sterling example, role model and selfless servant in all perspectives. He was such the All American person. I am very thankful I was able to see him mature academically in the classroom or athletically on the football field, wrestling mat and track events. He was blessed in so many ways...RIP.
    V/r,
    Tim Mathews
    Class of '87

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  9. Chase Gaddy was an incredible person and I was proud to call him one of my best friends for the past 10 years. Rest in peace Chase you will never be forgotten.

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  10. Chase, I can't say that we were extremely close or even knew each other that well. What I can say is that of all the people that I come into contact with on a daily basis, you were easily one of the happiest and fun loving. That smile that was always tattooed on your face was your trademark. I loved how much enthusiasm you always had for simply living your life. On a campus as small as Austin College, death affects everyone. It's not going to be the same without you. This much is true. However, as long as I live, I will not let you die again. You live inside all of us now.

    To Chase's parents, family, and friends:
    Considering how all of this has affected me, I cannot even begin to fathom how hard this must be for you. Nothing that I can say can even come close to either understanding how you feel, or helping you deal with your loss, so all I will say is that the entire Austin College community is keeping you in their thoughts and we pray that you find lasting comfort in peace.

    God bless you, Chase Gaddy.

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  11. My prayers are with the Gaddy family. I did not know Chase but I wittnessed last nights accident. I will be praying for his family and friends. From what I have read he was a great person and that he will be missed dearly.

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  12. To lose life at such a young age is a tragedy. May God bless the Gaddy family.

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  13. Chase was one of my son's best friends and deservedly so. Although 2 years older he had been first a mentor and then a great friend through athletics and relationships with the Keane's. My prayers for his Dad and Parker.

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  14. Tammy and Avery GoreFebruary 24, 2011 at 3:04 PM

    This precious, precious boy beautifully manicured our yard for almost 2 years and I had many wonderful conversations with him over time. He often spoke highly of BL, his plans for college and his future. What a tragic loss to this world. My heart goes out to Chase's father who is our neighbor, and his large community of friends who loved him dearly. RIP Chase...

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  15. I didnt know Chase at a personal level but the few times I saw him around campus I noticed that he was always smiling! From what I've heard he was an incredible human being.
    He was and will remain part of the Austin College community and I know he will be missed dearly.
    My condolences go out to him and his family.
    May his soul rest in peace and his family be blessed.
    R.I.P Chase Gaddy

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  16. I will always remember Chase. He and I grew up together and I can't believe he's gone. We used to play on the same little league soccer team. We were the best of friends. We lost touch with one another for the next 11 years. We met up again here at AC and it was great. He always had smile on his face even after going through Chemistry. I will always remember you Chase

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  17. Chase was a phenomenal athlete and all-around great person. He was a state champion in discus and shot-put at BL where I coach, and a great student. It is sad to see him leave so early in his life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

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  18. Every time I was with Chase he was all smiles. Never down. He was a great friend and a great person. Words cannot express how much he will be missed by everyone. Prayers for the Gaddy family and all who loved Chase. Rest in peace.

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  19. Such wonderful words. They are greatly appreciated by all of his family. We will be missed, by none more than his father.
    His uncle Peto

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  20. My sorrow can't be expressed in words for the loss of Chase. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I could not imagine the pain of losing a child. I pray that through the healing process, his family can get through these difficult times.

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  21. Dearest Chickie Face,
    Eternal rest grant unto him Oh Lord,let perpetual light shine upon him and all of those departed through the mercy of God rest in peace , Amen.
    To all of the Gaddys, Ma Phyllis on down we extend our deepest sympathy. We will remember him with you, Chickie lifting him high in the air. He was loved by all. We feel like we have lost another family member.
    We know how well Chase was love by his family and extended family. He is in heaven with Papa Burrell. Time will ease all of your sorrow, but will not take it away. We love you . You are ALL in our thoughts and prayers.
    Hilton, Judy, Gidget, Richard, Peyton, Hilton Roy, III, Dixie and Danika

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  22. Shellie Myers CarlsonFebruary 24, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    I'm so saddened by this tremendous loss. The Maddox' are right - he is with his Grandfather and watching over his beautiful father and aunts and uncles and the whole family. God Bless him.

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  23. Our entire family is heartbroken over the loss of Chase Gaddy. Chase has always been a wonderful young man and we will never forget his smile and his hard working, fun loving spirit.

    Our thoughts, prayers and love are with the Gaddy family.

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  24. Chase,
    You will be missed greatly. As the Maddoxx's pointed out, I hope you and Papa Burrell are up in heaven having a great reunion. And to Chicky, I am so sorry for your loss-I can not begin to feel your pain and no words can express my condolences to you. You and the entire family will be in my prayers.
    Sarah

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  25. Chase will be dearly missed by the entire AC community. He was such a wonderful and caring person who could light up anyones day. May God be with the Gaddy family through this hard time.

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  26. Although I didn't know Chase, as an AC parent I grieve his death alongside his family and friends. I feel blessed to be part of a community that attracts such outstanding young people, and I know his AC family will carry him in their hearts forever.

    My thoughts and prayers are with the Gaddy family and all those who love Chase. Through God's grace, may you feel the peace that passes understanding in this difficult time.

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  27. I didnt personally know Chase, or Gaddy as we called him, but he was close friends with my boyfriend's roommate. Everytime I saw him he always had a smile on his face, and you could tell that nothing could get him down. I will miss seeing him around campus.

    R.I.P. Chase Gaddy

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  28. I coached Chase as a diver at Bishop Lynch HS when he won in his division at Tapps Texas State competition.
    He was always good natured, easy to coach, willing to try whatever we
    decided was next, and a cheerful presence. It is times like these that try mens souls, looking for rhyme/reason as explanation.

    May everyone close to him find the acceptance and courage to handle this indescribable loss.

    to his parents: Y'all raised a fine son, and I am sorry he is gone.

    Coach Card

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  29. At bishop Lynch High School Chase was the guy you could go to and ask for help whenever wherever. Chase played football, and did Powerlifting.I was at one of his powerlifting practices and at this practice he walked out of the building with a ton of power, strength, and confidence. CHASE GADDY squated 600 lbs!!! Its sad to know who he was, what he could do, and what he could have done in his life.Chase was like a hero, he could do anything he said because he believed he could do it.

    Chase....... thank you for being a hero. You have changed so many lives teaching us to understand that anything is possible.

    WE LOVE YOU!!!

    R.I.P.*CHASE GADDY*R.I.P.

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  30. FROM PARENTS THAT LOST A CHILD ON THAT SAME STRETCH OF ROAD, WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. WE PRAY FOR YOU. WE LOST OUR SON A YEAR AGO FEB 7TH AND WE UNDERSTAND THE PAIN. JUST KNOW THAT YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. JAMIE&ANDY (903-209-6226)

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  31. Rest in peace Chase, you are an outstanding young man! PSALM 23

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  32. In high school, Chase was one of my good guy friends. Seeing him everyday in class honestly made my day throughout all of senior year. Any time I had an issue or anything that put me in a bad mood, he was always there to cheer me up. He was an incredible person and there will not be one person who knew him that will not think of him everyday. You will never be forgotten. I love and miss u Chase Gaddy!

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  33. As a motorcyclist it saddens me deeply to lose a fellow biker, especially so young and promising. God bless his family, friend, and all his college alum, and please grant peace and comfort to you all in this time of need. God simply called Chase home, and we all know that one day each and every one of us will get to go home too.

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  34. I have known Chase and his parents since our children were small. He is a great loss. My prayers are with his family and friends

    Janet Boyanton

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  35. We are so saddened by your loss, Chickie. Your son was an incredible young man, and you were always a loving and wonderful father. We send you and all the Gaddy family our love, prayers, and peace, now and always.

    The Ivy Family

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  36. As a parent of one of Chase's friends my heart goes out to Chase's family and all his dear friends who are going to miss him. As all are aware his smile could cheer anyone up in a second. Our family's deepest sympathy goes out to his family and all his friends who so dearly loved him.

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  37. As parents, it was exciting to watch our sons compete together on the football field and at powerlifting meets. It is obvious that Chase is well loved by his immediate family and his family at BL. Our hearts ache for your loss and we lift you up in prayer.

    The Kugelmann Family

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  38. Dear Brian,
    My heart is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your son. My prayers go out to you and your family.
    Roger Michael Ortiz
    CHS Class of '79

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  39. I love and miss you Chase. You were one of my main role models. You mean the world to me.

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  40. i dont know chase by any means...i just randomly visited this site. n just by reading the posts here i am sure enough saying that this person was truly a great guy....all i can say is may lord give his parents the strength to bear this loss...and may his soul be bestowed with lord's love...RIP!

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  41. Dearest Chickie,
    My words alone cannot express my deep sorrow for the loss of your beloved son Chase. Chase was such an awesome kid and loved by everyone who met him. Chickie you are the best father and did such an amazing job raising him. All of my prayers and deepest condolences are with you at this most sad time in your life.

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  42. I watched Chase grow from a child at St Thomas Aquinas to a young man at Bishop Lynch, saw him be a good teammate to one of my sons and a mentor to another. The world is a little less bright without the potential he brought to the table. We have lost a good man. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.

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  43. Brian: I never had the opportunity to meet Chase but I have heard you speak of him often. He will be greatly missed and I want you to know that my heart is breaking for you. While I can't comprehend your pain, I can only imagine what you are going through. Just remember that God loves you and so do your many, many friends. When you go through a rough spot, remember to reach out to those that are close to you so they can be there for you. May God bless you and help you begin to heal. We are here for you. Carol G at Flowers Davis, PLLC

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  44. I only met Chase once, but I will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this tragedy, and may the Lord give the Gaddy family strength during this sad time and every day after. Rest In Peace Chase!

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  45. As a former Austin College student and teacher in sherman it is always sad to see a fellow Roo pass on. May God be with his family and friends in this time of need, but rest assure he is in a better place now

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  46. Chase,
    I know you're up there kicking around with Papa Burrel now, and that makes me less sad. It's wonderful to see how many lives you touched in your short time here. We can only hope to live that kind of life. You will be greatly missed. Love you cuz!

    Death is nothing at all.
    It does not count.
    I have only slipped away into the next room.
    Everything remains as it was.
    The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
    Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
    Call me by the old familiar name.
    Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
    Put no sorrow in your tone.
    Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
    Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
    Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
    Let it be spoken without effort
    Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.
    There is unbroken continuity.
    Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
    I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
    All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
    One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
    How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting, when we meet again.
    -Irish funeral prayer

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  47. I know that no words can heal the pain or fill the void of Chase's presence. Nor can words describe how big of an impact Chase made on his family, friends, the entire Bishop Lynch community, and myself. Chase was the epitome of a genuine, honest, good-hearted guy. When someone asked him to give 100%, he gave 10x more. Chase was such an easy person to look up to because of his hard work, determination, and love for those around him. I'll miss you a lot Chase, I know that everyone will.

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  48. I had just returned from San Antonio for my uncle's memorial service. I was shocked to learn about Chase's death. He was a great student and young man in my music class ('01 -'06) at St.Thomas Aquinas and always called me "Mr.D". I always found him smiling and having a great spirit not only in class but in the hallways . To know he continued in his education made me very proud as an educator. My prayers goes to his parents and family members. He will be missed but never forgotten.

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  49. My husband met Chase at our health club and he mowed our lawn for about a year. We were so impressed with his drive and maturity. I did not know that he was interested in Austin College then because of course I would have been thrilled as an alum. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. This is an incredible loss to our community.

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  50. One bright shining light has left us. My prayers are with you and your family and that your soul is now in God’s loving arms. I will add you to my family’s evening prayers during Lent.

    God Bless you and the many Austin College students who suffer in the loss of their connection to you and continued joy that you are looking down upon us from above.

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  51. no one can fully know the measure of your loss. Only you and God know that. I didn't know Gaddy, but I know he lived the chapters in his life as planned and as you hold on to beautiful memories and accomplishments that he wroted and actively done in his life here. Its safe to say, he did an execellent job in such a short time.He is another beautiful flower and shining star in heaven's garden. May all his family, friends,Ac family,find peace and comfort in his smile and memory-for these things you can visualize. My prayers are with you all.

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  52. I did not personally know Chase, but I have seen him many times because I go to Bishop Lynch. The whole school is greatly mourning his passing. It's a reminder to all of us how short our lives may be. I know that he will be greatly missed. Just reading all these comments and knowing his story has left a lasting impression on my life. I will pray for his whole family, as I know how hard it is to loose a loved one. You will be missed Chase.

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  53. May God comfort Chase's family and all those who knew and loved him.

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  54. What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why Chase left this earth so soon, or why Chase left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that he died, but that he lived. And that his life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.

    May the comfort of God help you during this difficult time.

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  55. My son, also a Freshman at AC, called me on the morning of February 24th to share his grief for the tragic loss of his team-mate Chase. Together we shed tears; his for the loss of a young man, a new-found friend and team-mate then mine as a mother. Our hearts break, our souls grieve, our prayers are with you, his family and friends.

    When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?"
    1st Corinthians 15:54-55

    For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from GOD, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
    2nd Corinthians 5:1

    To be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD JESUS.
    2nd Corinthians 5:8

    May you find comfort and healing in HIS precious words.

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  56. Thank you to every one of Chase's friends, teachers, family for all the love, support and prayers. He will be loved and missed forever!

    Sharon Ashmore (Chase's mom)

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  57. Dear Chase....I miss you so much! I love you!
    Mom

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  58. Dear Chase,
    You were an amazing student. I remember our freshman year at Bishop Lynch in Coach May's computer class. We always goofed around and you always made me smile. I love you and miss you dearly! Please hold Jacki in your arms and stay with her, we are comforting her as much as we can. But today being her birthday we need you the most. I love you big guy and can't wait to see you again on the other side.

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  59. These words are still so comforting to read even 4 months after Chase's death. Thank you for the beautiful sentiments expressed and God Bless you all! Please don't forget this page and post more thoughts as you have them and God Bless the AC community for all they have done for us!

    Sharon Ashmore (Chase's Mom)

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  60. 1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
    2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
    he leads me beside quiet waters,
    3 he refreshes my soul.
    He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
    4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
    I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

    5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
    You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
    6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
    and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
    forever.

    RIP, Chase...

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  61. I did not know Chase, but I knew his mother. Sharon, I am so sorry for your loss, it sounds like your son, was a wonderful young man.

    Robert Burt (W.T. White, Class of '79)

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  62. It's been over a year and it still hits me every once in a while as if I just found out. He was the love of my little sister's life and she was his. He was very much a part of my family and I miss him dearly. I still don't understand it Chase - I don't even try becausae when I do I just get angry. I miss you. So much.

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  63. Happy Birthday Bud

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    Then it’s time to pull out all the stops.

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    Once you say this to him, or even send this simple phrase in a text message...

    It will flip his world upside down and you will suddenly find him chasing you-

    And even begging to be with you.

    Here’s what I’m talking about: <=========> Is your man hiding something? He may need your help?

    Thanks again.








    .

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