I got word this morning that Ben High, creator of the Geek Music segment on ELR, passed away in his sleep due to a sudden aneurysm. He was only 19. It was his brother that let me know, and I have expressed the sympathies of all the readers and listeners here at ExtraLife central. I hope his family is able to cope, and that his loved ones are comforted.
From a purely podcasting perspective, his segment was one of my favorite things we ever had on the show. It was professional, a joy to listen to, and gave us a good idea of how cool a guy Ben was. This was someone that had obvious passion for what he loved: Music. He wrote and performed as well, and saw podcasting as a medium he could really wrap his heart around. He will be missed on all levels.
Ben was awesome, now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to the crying corner. :’(
When I saw that I couldn’t believe it. I hope his family will recover. What a terrible loss. He is in a better place. Rest in Peace, Ben.
god speed, young ben….you will be missed….
….
Rest in peace, Ben. Rest in peace…
damn that’s really sad. the guy was only a year older than me. judging from the way he made his music segment on ELR, i suspected he was much older. my condolences to his family, what a shame to go at such a turning point in his life
vaya con dios
Damn that was the most enjoyable part of shows because all the music was awsome and i got some of it on his recommendation. very depressing news to not hear him anymore
Gone but not forgotten, man.
Great segment….he will be missed.
This is shocking even to those of us who didn’t know him.. !9 is jus to young. The guy hadn’t even lived life. What’s sadder is he seemed so talented and may have been an inspiration to others. I’m not a religious man but for once i will pray for his family and hope that he will look down upon them always.
Sincerest hopes that his family finds peace. My soul aches at the thought of their loss.
I hardly knew Ben, but I miss him. I was really similar to him based on this. I see a potential friendship gone. That’s just too sad to hear. My thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones.
He’ll be missed here. I know I’m going to miss hearing his music segment and who he suggested.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. His segments were so professionally done I thought he was much older. He will be missed.
thats just the worst news. its pouring as of late.
i’ll turn on the sea and cake for you tonight.
my best to his family and friends.
Pass on and be at peace, brother. Your contributions always merited a listen or two and I am sad of their departure. Only other thing I can say is Godspeed, brother, and tell Bruce howdy from down here. We look forwad to seeing you both again on the other side.
He’s was just a kid… with so many experiences yet unlived, so many people yet to meet, so many things yet to do.
But he shared his world with ELR listeners, like myself, and I thank God that I could be a part of that. We never met, Ben, but you leaving is like losing a good friend. Prayers are for your family and friends.
Thank you, Ben.
Man, he sounded like a great guy from the segments. I’ll miss him.
I thank Jesus every day for things like Extralife, bringing us all together and allowing us to share each other. I am greatly honored to have known both Milliways and Ben. Godspeed guys! And may God bless all of you!
I hate it when someone young dies….R.I.P
My condolences to his family, man…..this is depressing.
Here is the obituary for Ben as published in the Asbury Park Times.
BENJAMIN WESLEY HIGH, 19, of FREEHOLD, died Monday, August 6. He was a graduate of Freehold Borough High School and attended Brookdale Community College. He was the creator and singer-songwriter for his band, “Green Arrows.” Ben’s passion for his craft is evidenced by his extensive collection of musical instruments, recording equipment and comprehensive CD library. Ben and his band were in the midst of completing their untitled debut album. Ben will be remembered for his love of words that translated into beautiful lyrics for his music. He was a wonderful, loving son and brother.
Surviving are his parents, Karen and William High of Freehold; his brother, Matthew Downes of San Diego, Calif.; his paternal grandparents, Fred and Helen High of Woodbridge; his aunts and uncles; and eight cousins.
Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. today at Freeman Funeral Home, 47 E. Main St., Freehold. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, Freehold. Memorial donations may be made to Ocean of Love, 1709 Highway 37E, Toms River, NJ 08753.
A friend of mine died from something similar when she was 15. It was my first open-casket wake/funeral. I was crushed.
Ahh, Jesus Christ … As a massive music fan, I’ve always looked forward to new music or hearing my own favourite bands mentioned on ELR during his segment. Wow. I thought he was already in his 20s judging by his voice. I’m glad to have been a part of what he’s done for the show, and I bet he’s such a great guy in real life. He’ll truly be missed. I hope his family will be able to recover from such a tragedy and continue to celebrate the life he lived than mourn what he didn’t.
Rest in peace, Ben. You’ll sing to a slightly different key, now.
Very sad, and so, so young. Rest in peace.
So so young, Such a sad day…May his family cope and recover…to young, prayers are with his family
Damn, thats sad to hear about this, especially at 19. Sad.
D=…
another…
RIP Ben, you will surely be missed.
So young…he had a wellspring of talent that was truly unique. Rest in peace. The world is a sadder place without him.
Losing someone dearly is always hard. Losing a child, that’s a totally different ballgame.
There is no way I can express my feelings towards his family properly in a language not native to me.
I wish them all the strength they can get.
F&&k. 19…that’s just not f&&king fair!
Theres truly not much of importance that is fair…
How does something like that happen to a 19 year old?…
RIP, Ben. I’ll miss your segments.
i didnt know the guy but its always sad when someone so young dies unexpectedly,all my condolences to his family.
Ah Dammit thats just… i mean come on 19…. im lost for words…sh*t
When you hear news like this is makes your daily struggles/problems seem unimportant…
Sad that had to leave so early.
But it seems he had a positive influence on his surroundings. I’m sure he will be a pleasant memory and I’m convinced that many people will have learned a great deal from him.
19….friggin 19….why the hell does it happen to young ones like that? *sigh* makes me so angry and depressed all at once. RIP man…and condolences to the family. I’m very sorry for your loss.
There are just some things in this world I will never understand. May the spirits be with you Ben. Thanks for sharing your talents with us. Until we meet again.
Oh man. I loved his segment. What a tragedy.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
That’s terribly sad. Way too young. My sincerest sympathies to his family and friends.
Hello, This is Ben’s brother Matt. I contacted Scott a couple of days ago to share the news with him. This was a great outlet for Ben and he really believed in this project. He spoke very highly of Scott and his team.
I was pleasantly surprised that Scott thought highly enough of Ben to make this tribute. Sometimes people run because they don’t know what to say, are scared, or feel they don’t want to bother the family. Scott has not been that way. He did this on his own and made my parents and me smile with glee.
Thanks so much to Scott, the ELR team, and the earnest sympathies from the ELR fans.
From his guitars, games, pets, and family he now moves on to something else. Live all of your dreams and don’t forget to laugh along the way; Ben wouldn’t of had it any other way.
Sincerely,
Matt
Thank you, Matt. I really appreciate it.
My God, that’s terrible.
My condolences with his loved ones.
*Pours drink on floor in tribute*
We all enjoy Scott & the team at ELR and he was one of the best.
He will be missed.
Your work on earth is done.
Rest in Peace now.
My favorite user-produced segment on the show, honestly.
It’s heartbreaking to hear that someone my age had to leave so early in life.
My condolences to Matt and Ben’s entire family…
RIP Ben, you brought something different into everyones lives.
Sumalangit Nawa ang Iyong Kaluluwa
Hello
This is Ben’s Mom. I cannot tell you how heartfelt all of these comments have been. Our son was a unique person who somehow has conveyed this to Scott and all of the people who have come in contact with his work. This most recent venture allowed him to combine his love of music with his love of words. He shared each contribution with me before he sent it out. I was always amazed by his talent and ever thankful that he shared it with his family.
Words do not exist to describe our grief…but all of you need to know that hearing how he touched your lives helps confirm our unfailing belief that he was indeed special to this world.
Now he moves on.
Gratefully,
Karen High