A Post About Loss and One of Our Own, Abigail Key
by Anand Lal Shimpi on July 30, 2013 4:20 PM EST- Posted in
- Abigail Key
If you've read any of our motherboard reviews from around 2005 - 2009, chances are you're familiar with the name Gary Key. He was a member of the AT team, heading up motherboard reviews and helping me out with a lot of our CPU/chipset coverage on the site during that time. Gary now works at ASUS, but I still view him as part of the AnandTech family. Last month his 15 year old daughter, Abby, was involved in a fatal car crash in Oklahoma.
I originally wanted to do a post last month when it happened, but I shied away from doing so in order to give the Key family more privacy. I've been speaking with Gary regularly since it happened and believe that the time is now right.
I'd never met Abby. Gary was at my house a few weeks before all of this happened. Abby needed a Mac for some college classes she was taking, so I gave her one of my old MBPs. She loved that notebook. Gary told me that she'd send pictures of it to her friends, along with her latest pair of toe socks - her other recent obsession. She loved pink. That bright pink MeMO Pad HD7 sample? It was destined for Gary, and then Abby.
Gary was always a proud father. And understandably so. He'd always tell me about how well Abby was doing in school and about how they were in trouble since she expressed interest in eventually going to Duke. She was a straight A student, excited about becoming a Junior in high school next year.
He always told me about how kind hearted Abby was. I've learned more about her desire to help and support others more since her passing than I ever knew before. I'm saddened that the world has lost a wonderful person with such potential. I've been getting regular updates from Gary, photos of Abby, notes on things she used to love to do, and every single time the emails bring me to tears.
Gary has been doing incredibly well with all of this. I can't imagine anyone being stronger than he has been over these past few weeks.
Here's where you all come in. If you've ever read anything Gary wrote, if he ever helped you in any way, or if you just want to lend some words of support to an honestly wonderful person and his family - please feel free to do so in the comments below. Gary didn't ask for me to do a post here, but I'm sure he and his family would really appreciate any kind words from his virtual family at AnandTech.
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4745454b - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
While the name doesn't ring a bell I'm sure I've read the articles as I'm a long time reader. Always sad when things like this happen. A life so young and full of promise is now gone. I'm sure we all know someone like this, I know I do. RIP Abigail and peace and blessings be to the Key family. May whatever you believe in bring peace during this time.Jeff Lee - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
We are all deeply saddened for your loss. Praying for Gary and his family.Anato - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
There is no words to describe the emptiness inside me when I read this. And I have not met anyone of involved. No words to say and they don't do much. I'm just sad and sorry to hear this.(PS. I'm not native English speaker and I didn't mean to be rude)
watersb - Thursday, August 1, 2013 - link
(not rude. thanks for posting.)Stuka87 - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
Such sad news. I also recall Gary's articles from that time period.RIP Abby
Rocket321 - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
I remember Gary's posts and the video where Anand interviewed Gary after his transition to Asus. Through reading so many things here over the years, I feel a part of this community and family.Gary and Key Family: I am very sorry for your loss, and from the article I think it is our loss, the worlds loss, to lose such a smart and motivated person as Abigail.
Unclean - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
I'm so very sorry to hear about this. It's so horrible when someone young goes far before their time...but it seems like she was a smart and amazing young lady. She won't be forgot by the people she had in her life and by her family it seems. The loss of a child is a pain I hope I never ever have to face. I lost my best friend Andy when I was 25 and he was only 20, he was a professional drummer and by far the best person I have ever known in my life. I wouldn't be the person I am today without having had his friendship and his faith in me in my life. I have his drumset (Pearl Master kit with a rack and sooo many cymbals!) and I'm reminded of him every time I see them at my house, even though I cannot play a single thing! But my dad told me something I think about every day "Don't try and make sense of this Scott, there's nothing to make sense of and loss like this just takes time to even begin to heal."My deepest condolences Mr. Key and to your family and her friends and loved ones. Also to Chance Clifton's friends and family. A terrible loss for all.
Valefox - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
I'm very sorry to hear about Abigail. My condolences to Gary and the rest of the Key family. This was a very respectful and touching article.easycity - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
My deepest condolence to Gary Key and everyone who loved and had been loved by this wonderful girl.From the accident report, this tragedy was not caused by anyone's action. Someone's lack of diligence triggered the event at an unlucky moment, and fate forgot to look after this wonderful girl.
I wish everyone impacted by this tragedy will remember the best moment of Abby, and live a fuller life. I am sure that is what Abby would wish for those who she had loved.
Sivar - Wednesday, July 31, 2013 - link
It's very sad to read about such a kind, promising young woman passing away due to a random accident that in no way involved the fault of the victims.