Lyndi Starr 1983-2007
For those who haven't heard, 105.7 The X DJ Lyndi Starr died Tuesday, ten days after giving birth. The story is available here.
In a death as sudden and tragic as this, there really isn't a whole lot to be said. It's impossible to say kind words or words of consolation simply because the wind is just knocked out of you, whether you knew the person or not. I did not know Lyndi, but like anyone else who's heard about her passing, you can really only sit there and go, "Oh my god."
What's interesting is watching how Gen Xers and Gen Yers respond to tragedy in the modern Internet age. Take a look at Number One Son's MySpace page, one of the other DJs at The X, as well as a very close friend of Lyndi's - almost every one of his top friends, many of whom were also friends with Lyndi, have changed their profile pictures to photos of Lyndi or photos with her.
When a MySpace user dies, the page usually stays put indefinitely, often acting as a memorial site where friends post comments, memories and messages to the person. Sadly, it appears that Lyndi had her MySpace page set so that any posted comments had to be approved by her before showing up on the site - the last comment was posted March 7 - three days before Lyndi gave birth to her daughter.
On a more personal, perhaps selfish note, this death affected me as well, despite not knowing Lyndi. As a 23-year-old entertainment reporter, I've never had to speak with a family member of a recently deceased person, let alone of someone who died so suddenly and tragically. One of the first things you learn about me is that I have a rather panic-attack-inducing fear of death. Why the hell do you think I became an entertainment reporter? So I wouldn't have to deal with that stuff!
Dark humor aside, it was a rather unnerving experience at first to talk to Sherri Myers, Lyndi's mom. I hate even admitting it because I already feel like such a newbie amateur in this newsroom as is, and this only makes it worse. There are pros in this office who deal with this sort of thing just about every other day, but for me, it was unknown territory.
But Sherri, even though she had lost her daughter 48 hours before, was a warm and incredibly strong person, and, by the end of the conversation, I realized she had helped me as much as I had helped her. She wanted to talk about the life of her daughter and what she meant to herself and others. I needed someone strong to help me through my own fears and oddly enough, of all people on the planet, Sherri was that person for me. So, Sherri, thank you for that.
And Lyndi - during the last 24 hours, I have seen just how far your touch has reached, and it has become quite obvious how much you will be missed.
Tim · March 27, 2007 11:42 PM
I never met Lyndi and yet her death has hit me really hard. I don't go out much and I often would find myself at home on the weekends and I'd always end up listening to her. Depression sucks and I've noticed more than ever since she went out on maternity leave how much of an effect she had on me.. I'll always be thankful to her just for being on the air and being herself. It helps more than you can imagine sometimes. Thank you for the wonderful words about Lyndi, it makes this all just a little bit easier... and thank you Lyndi for being you.
Melanie Star · April 5, 2007 10:11 AM
I did know Lyndi. She was one of my best friends. I still remember singing boyz 2 men songs with her in 7th grade. Looking back at that now, it's kind of strange because we used to sing "water runs dry" in social studies class.
She also used to date my brother. She lived with me at one point, and we shared many, many adventures.
I will miss her so much, and wish I would have been able to spend more time with her in the past few years.
I pray that GOD watch over Lyndi's daughter, and Sherri, as well as all of her other family members and friends.
Lyndi was one of the brightest "Starr's" I ever knew.
Karen Shultz · June 21, 2007 8:35 PM
I did not know Lyndi but while I was in labor and at the hospital with my 2nd son, I met her family and got to see her beautiful daughter. They had explained that Zyla's mommy was still in ICU and the they were praying for her to make it. Well, that conversation had me wondering for days how Zyla's mommy was doing. It saddened me to hear that she had past just a few days later. It is a scary thought that she was my age and how everything happened like it did.Zyla is almost a full day older than my son Cody, it is hard to believe he is almost 4 months old. I am so sorry for the family's loss.
Amber Bowers · July 8, 2007 12:04 AM
I also known lyndi, she was such a beautiful person, never judging she loved everyone for them. She was different in so many ways which will make her so unforgettable.
old person from Lyndi's life · October 29, 2007 6:21 PM
I loved Lyndi soo much. I even have some of her hair.