This is one of the saddest things I've ever had to write: After more than a week of searching failed to turn up evidence to the contrary, Ben Wu is presumed dead. He was 29.
Ben went missing Jan. 12 while on vacation in the British Virgin Islands. He was last seen walking on a beach on Tortola about 9:30 that Saturday morning, and is presumed to have fallen while climbing on some rocks overlooking a cove near Long Bay beach.
The only sign of him since then has been his iPod, which washed up on the beach late last week. Searches by the U.S. Coast Guard, divers and BVI police have been fruitless.
Ben had worked for more than a decade at the Webster Theatre in Hartford, doing just about everything there was to do: booking bands, hauling equipment, helping security. He seemed to be everywhere at once during shows, but he always had a second to stop and say hello. The Webster Theatre will be a darker, sadder place without him.
There's been no information yet about a wake or memorial service, but I'll update as soon as something is scheduled.
Ya you got that right about him always taking a moment to say "Hi". Even though I hadnt played there in a couple years every time I attended a show there he was always up for a quick chat . Hundreds of bands and associates around here in the local scene for the past 11 years has lost an active force for getting bands on a decent stage , keeping the shows running smooth . My condolences to all that were close to him .
Posted by: Eric Wagner | January 25, 2008 at 09:24 AM