Hey all, some of you knew Ed and some of you only knew him through the site. But, a good friend of Outsports died last week. Please make any contributions you can.

Ed Gallagher - gay suicide prevention advocate - dies

Thanks.

Cyd's story captured Ed perfectly. He was indeed larger than life. His story, which sounds so tragic at first -- self-loathing, risky behavior, a suicide attempt -- turns out, in the end, to be marvelously uplifting, inspiring and life-affirming. He was giving, gracious and grand. He also loved sex, and was not afraid to talk (or laugh) about it. Ed was a true personality. Ed was a hero. I am grateful I knew him.

I was a grad student @ Pitt when Ed was playing, and will always remember the announcer saying "Eddddddd Gallgher". It was a sad shock when I found out he had attempted suicide because he was gay.

I've read his book, and contributed to his fund. He will be sorely missed. It is truly a sad day.

Very sad news. I hope it's a comfort to his loved ones to know that his story helped a lot of people, and his work will undoubtedly continue through his organization.

I just met Ed earlier this year at Cyd's Super Bowl party. I sat next to him through most of the second half. We chatted, and he made an off-color comment about one of the other guests which made me hoot with laughter. It made me appreciate that although he was in a wheelchair he was still very much a regular man; something that I'm sure initially takes most of us by surprise. I'm sorry he's gone at such a young age.

What an amazing story, and person.

Hope it inspires people who have felt the emotional pain he obviously felt at one time, to find the purpose and meaning that everyone needs to learn to love life, and others.

The two are the same really.

my thoughts are with his friends and family

how sad to lose someone like this

I am so sad to read this, so far after the fact. Ed was a friend of mine. I visited him at his home a few times when I lived in Connecticut but we'd lost touch since I moved away. Cyd's article really did an amazing job of portraying who he really was -- a spectacular man.

I still can't believe Ed has passed on. I was his friend, lover, confidant, reflexologist, family friend, and much more. I spoke to Ed the day before he died...He was at peace....His beautiful smile and being will be with us forever...He had a zest for life !!! Michael Ferranti

Thanks for sharing that, Michael. Yes, it still saddens me. Ed was truly one of a kind.

My football league decided last May to name our semiannual Sportsmanship Award after Ed, so his memory will live on in perpetuity.