Stirling You Will Be Missed

A truly beautiful person and beloved friend has left this world. Words cannot express the radiance Stirling possessed to influence everyone around him positively. His non-stop good mood was infectious and it was rare for a smile not to be glowing on his face at any time. What he meant to his friends and family is unmeasurable and impossible to convey but he will be forever remembered as a friend to all and enemy to none. I admit I did not know Stirling particularly well but I knew him well enough to realize what a profound loss this is to the world. My heart and love goes out to all the individuals grieving this loss. Be strong and carry on. The memory of Stirling will never die because he will always remain a part of our lives and of our memories that he so often filled with profound kindness and unimaginable caring.

A letter from President Kaplan has been published in The Charger Bulletin, University of New Haven's official student newspaper about Stirling. 

I want people to have a chance to read what Stirling's friends, family and loved ones have to say about such a brave and kind-hearted soul. Here is a compilation of everyone's words to Stirling. Most were originally written on the wall for the Facebook group East Coast Ravers, a community that is there to support anyone in need of anything in the face of this loss, whether it's a hug, kind words or a shoulder to cry on. Permission by the author has been given for each individual quote. I will posting more throughout the day. If you wish to say something or I have not yet posted your words about Stirling, please email me at sanchez.l@husky.neu.edu

Stirling at DRK's event Bass Cake.

"To everyone who is grieving the loss of stirling, i just wanna say i am deeply sorry for your loss. i have never met stirling, but i've always had a loving and caring heart, and no matter what i will always feel sorrow for the end of any life. i know how it feels to lose someone close to you. in the past 3 years or so i've lost my older brother to drug overdose, both of my grandparents, my brother-in-law to suicide, and mother-in-law to heart disease. in the chaos of all this, the rest of the family has slowly drifted apart, which is why during these tough times, at least we have eachother, our ECR family. all this negativity is starting to cause old feelings to resurface in me, but i'll continue to stay strong, as i hope everyone else is doing. never give up hope, and never EVER stop loving eachother. if anyone needs anything, a hug, a friend, or someone to talk to, i'm here for you. i love you all ♥ ♥" -Ray Tillinghast

"sending out lots of good vibrations to those who have suffered loss recently, being strong together is extremely important right now. I didn't know Stirling personally but from the looks of all the messages ive read so far, he was an incredible person and I will continue to cultivate and add to the love that's been surrounding him, his friends, and family. I have great ears for listening please talk to me if you need some extra love. rest in peace. love and light to you all♥" 
-Kim Ballou

"i never really took the time to get to know you, but the short time i had speaking with you a couple months ago, let me know that you are an amazing person... no doubt, Mr. Danskin, you are going places only some of us could imagine... have fun dancing with the stars ♥ mad love for u all ♥"
-Gian Ciannavei

"unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to become as close of friends with stirling as I would of liked. however yesterdays news hit me pretty hard. my thoughts and heart go out to his family, crew, close friends and other acquaintances that are grieving. I just heard this quote the other day: "The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone." on that note I just wanted to remind everyone to never underestimate the significance you hold in others life and the impact you have on others. every single last one of you ate loved very dearly. I hope everyone has the best day that they can considering the circumstances. stirling is an incredible individual and he will forever live in our memory. hang in there fam. ♥"
"'There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and of unspeakable love.' I love you all. stay strong. ♥"

-Brookelynne Ruopp


"'Never met any of you... Never met stirling, but this really makes me sad. This horrible thing showed me that ecr really is a FAMILY, everyone's there for eachotbrr, sharing stories, wiping eachothers tears..doing what a family should. He seemed like a dope ass guy that's gone way too soon. Everyone keep their heads up and remain there for eachother. ♥ ily all! 'Only the good die young' Rest in PLUR, stirling ♥ ♥"
-Mel-d Franklin

"stirling, i only met you a handful of times, but each time was memorable :) i always loved to dance to your sets at drk events, so i decided today im decking myself in all the kandi i own and dancing to your set from April Ghouls the whole way through. i'll miss you friend ♥"
-Leah Parrott 

"I only met him a few times, it was more than a pleasure to have the honor to be introduced to a young man with great talent, a great smile, and ambition. He was more than welcoming as a friend. May you rest in peace... you will be remembered for eternity."
-Mohammed Ali Denny

"Stirling has been there for me, he's offered to help me with my baby I have on the way, he was the most amazing most kind hearted person I knew. He always made sure I was okaay and If I wasn't he'd do everything to make me okaay. I'm gonna miss him more then anything. He always told me, "chin up buttercup"... I'm gonna miss him ♥."
-Kaseigh Elisabeth Drescher 

"Stirling was a gifted individual, the two encounters we had were touching, he put a smile on mine and many others faces, it's a shame that excellent souls are taken away from us too early. May he rest in peace until we meet again."
-Stuart Zoidberg

"Stirling was a one of a kind individual whose smile and joy affected everyone around him. Always the first one to help a friend (new or old) in need, he will be missed more than he could ever know ♥"
-Danny Joseph 

"Stirling, I was just with you the 4 days before this tragedy happened man.. You did not deserve what happened, you were one of the few who understood, who learned, watched, listened, you would give the shirt off your back for someone. They took the wrong one man, you were A great friend, a true inspiration to all. You will be forever eternal in my mind - Love you brotha."
-Dave Guilmartin    

"I had always heard from people who knew him about how great a guy he was, and I got to see that first-hand during the only time we met. A cab bailed on my friends and I post-rave, and Stirling kindly invited us back inside from the cold even though the venue was supposed to be clearing out. Even during the cleanup when people want to just be finished and leave, he made our comfort and safety a priority and was so nice about it. Based on what everyone else is saying, it seems my personal first impression of him is accurate: he was a wonderful person and this community will never forget him. I am wearing kandi all day today in his honor."
-Nick Balsbaug 


"Never forget what we all mean to one another. Stop and think of those who care and the family we've made for ourselves and each other. We've got a lot of love, take what you need because the fountains never ending. ♥ Stirling, I'll always have a part of you."
"Hey kids. Today lets all appreciate what we have. Tell the people that you care about that you love them. Tell the people that you don't that you can't wait till you do. And above all, love yourselves and each other, it's the only way we're gonna make it. ♥"

-Miriabi Ambrosia Grzywacz (Mibs)

-Lance Allen

"Stirling helped me through a fair number of hard times. He never had a problem taking the time to talk, and he could always lift my mood by the end of the conversation. Any time he ran into me at an event, he'd greet me with a huge smile and hug before we danced to our hearts content. That's how I will always remember him, smiling and dancing and spreading his love to anyone who needed it."

"Hardest day I've had in a while. My sympathy goes out to everyone else who is also doing their best to act normal and fight back tears as they go about their day. We miss the shit out of you, Stirling."

 -Kelsey Morgan

"This must be a dream or some terrible joke. I close my eyes, as my tears fall and I imagine your beaming face. Where was that pain? It must have been hiding deep inside. Behind your eyes? Peering out only when there was nobody to see. Locked up in your room unable to breathe but never able to let us in. I cringe at this thought because I know how you felt. I still feel it too my friend, but I reached out. I know it’s not better and I know it was hard. It’s still hard for me. But I hoped that you could have fought this battle with me. I know it to be a very long and a very slow and very painful battle with the other side of free."
-Daisy Richardson

"i loved stirling so much. he got me through the hardest of times and i can't express in words how much he meant to me. he'll never be gone from my heart and i will never stop thinking of him. his smile, his face, the way he'd say "chin up, buttercup" when i was down, his love for music, his love for his family and friends.... he is one of the greatest people i have ever known."
-Nikola Vidnovic 

"stirling was a good guy and i will miss him. i remember staying at his house not too long ago and meeting his parents and i could see where he got his personality from as they were such friendly and caring people. i hope they are OK."
-Max Anderson  

"I only got to party with him a few times, but I will never forget his positivity, his good vibes, and his love for the sweetest house music. He had a good soul, and I'll never forget him.

I'll be wearing my DRK shit all day in honor of Stirling and the whole group, who've worked their hardest to bring their best to the rave scene. Keep it up, and to everyone else, I'll see you at a party someday soon!"
-Davey Frew

"I love u all. Stirling I will miss enjoying the finer things with u"
-Adam Twist Mahoney

"It took me awhile to figure out who stirling was by name. After realizing who he was I V.V . I did not know him personaly but i have seen/danced with him at enough raves to know he was awesome. When ever i seen him he was always pumping the crowd up and motivating people to dance hard. He was a good man and part of the family, he will be missed RIP Stirling"
-Aaron Shippee 

"i dont think i've ever met stirling as ive never been to a DRK event(because i suck obviously!!!) but i know many of you that knew him and loved him dearly. as someone who just lost a dear friend a few weeks ago i can only imagine how all of you are feeling and the loss that you have growing inside of you. Please don't hesitate to call me, text me, message me whether i know you or not. Time's ahead will be tough but we can stay strong together as one. That's what friends are for. I love you all and sincerely wish i could hug all of you right now. I know that's impossible but just know that i'm doing my best that's for damn sure!!! much love friends ♥♥♥♥♥"
-Theodore Charles 

"Rocking the drk shirt today for Stirling. R.I.P. brotha. Drk showed me what plur was and essentially changed my life for the better. I am forever thankful for that. I'm gonna spread the plur and the drk way everyway I can."
-Marc Perkins



"Stirling, I knew him in highschool before he even worked with DRK and even before he knew what plur ment he abided by it Stirling was a great man who would help u in anyway he could and always could make you feel good when needed. He was a bright light that in our memories will always shine strong I love u Stirling ♥ PLUR"
-Nick Granell

"Stirling I knew you to be a happy and positive friend. I feel like our friendship had just started and I'm sorry you had to go. You touched a lot of people in a positive way. To you I pay my respects, tonight and always."
-Colin Williams 

"i didnt know stirling very well, but this is what i do know: we all originated from the stars. though he left early, he will shine longer in our hearts and be returned to the skies where he can watch over us from above and continue to fill our lives with light. much love to all ♥"



-Grace Magnusson

"I still don't want to believe it... Tonight, I will dream of his smiling face and his warm hugs and, if only in my dream state, I will be with him once more.
♥ RIP Stirling ♥
I was truly blessed with your presence in my life, thank you for sharing yours with me. You will be missed, but will forever live on in our hearts."
-Nicole Walden

"So in memory of our lost friend, we are going to make ECR for only happy and nice thoughts. this means promoters your post will be deleted, it is not cause we dont love you, its just out of respect for a lovely soul that was lost.
-Carlo DelDonno


"I just met stirling last week at take off. I am fairly new to the scene but ive been accepted by everyone, and stirling was no different. He came up to me said hey im stirling you look liek you could use some water. And we just started talking after that. Let me know who was playing that night and told me who to go get a light show from he was an awsomme person from what i met and i didnt know him that well but i will always remember him. Rest in Paridise Stirling i'll see you on the othaside♥"
-Jordan Desmond

"<333333333333 this iz for everyone in our ECR family who is down. I cant say I was lucky enough to meet Stirling but I already can tell how grwat of a person he was. Everyone on this page has helped me in ways theu dont even know. Coming from someone who had a lot of people leave this earth ahead of there time all I can say is stay strong keep fhe love flowing and above all stay a family and stay supportive. So at these upcoming events in support of Stirling and his family we all keep a smile on our faces and we dance and sing and DJ our little hearts out until we cant anymore. RIP Stirling though I never had the blessing of meeting you I can tell you were much loved <33333333333"
-Jake Mayer 

"Stirling was just an incredible person. I was never truly close with him, but he has been a part of my life for 4 years. I remember when he would sit in front of me in Chemistry class, we'd complain about the class and talk about forming a ska band. A few years later, I was dancing around the auditorium to Emu Crossing. Then he went a brand new direction with the formation of DRK. In a short time, it brought life to Connecticut and people from all over New England come to his events. It's incredible how far they've come and if anyone could do it, Stirling definitely could. I didn't know him very well, but I knew that he was a person who loved life. Wherever he went, people were happy to see him and he was genuinely happy back. I don't think I've ever seen him frown a day in his life. He was very much loved by everyone, whether you knew him for years or only a few minutes. He's not one of those people you look at in the yearbook and simply think they look familiar. He's made an impact on all of our lives. Stirling...I still can't believe what happened. They must have needed you up there to make the party happen. Say hi to DJ AM for me. I'll be shuffling up there with you one day, so you better practice! RIP"
-Sydney Kaitryn Marcks 

Nero show review

            Nero and Dillon Francis did not disappoint at their performance at the House of Blues as a part of Together Fest. This fest is taking place during the first week of April and is packed with electronic DJs and music artists performing throughout Boston.

            Nero is a British music band consisting of Daniel Stephens, Joseph Ray and their female lead singer Alana Watson. They are most well-known for producing dubstep and drum and bass. Earlier in the year, Nero played at the Paradise at which only one of the three musicians was in attendance.

            Dillon Francis began his set a little earlier than the 9 o’clock scheduled time but the floor soon turned into a mass crowd of sweating, dancing, screamed and simply entranced audience members.

            Most individuals had come for Nero with little prior knowledge of Dillon Francis but were blown away by his ability to sense the crowd’s energy and play songs that sent the audience into non-stop fist-pumping, arms-waving motions.

            Nero finished their set and exited the stage after many bows and thanks to everyone for coming out. Of course, the crowd wasn’t ready to see them go. Cheers and applause for an encore brought all three members of Nero back on stage for a few more songs.

            House of Blues security could be seen asking people to leave throughout the night for various rule violations such as underage drinking, marijuana, disorderly behavior and drug intake. Underage drinking is generally easier for security to spot because drunk individuals give much clearer and more obvious signs in regards to their sobriety versus individuals on drugs, who are much more difficult to detect.

            Fortunately the concert went through its entirety without any serious injuries or harm done. Nero and Dillon Francis put on a show that few were disappointed with.
            Nero's set was accompanied by an absolutely stunning display of lights and production quality. A screen behind Nero displayed constantly changing backgrounds such as a sunset, space with beautifully portrayed planets and galaxies, and many other sensory-pleasing scenes.
            Dillon Francis' set seemed to be on the lower side of the volume scale while Nero's set turned the volume up past the point of being able to hold a normal volume conversation in the audience.
            However, a few complaints arose from individuals who had seen Nero in shows or concerts before. They insisted that their set list barely, if at all, changes show to show. As good as their music may be, hearing the same set list at more than one show or two can be a big let down to otherwise hard-core fans.