I write this letter with a heavy heart. This week was one of shock, tragedy, loss and grief for the England family and all of those that knew and love Zachary England.
I am shocked at the lack of respect and professionalism that was used by David Slone and the Times-Union. The article on the front page of Nov. 25th's paper was one filled with lies. It was stated in the article that Zach's death was still under investigation and that no cause of death was known. This is where the article should have stopped talking about his death, but instead David Slone decided to continue to write about rumors, only talked to one party, and did no research about what happened that night.
David Slone could have taken the high road and written about the beautiful person Zach was, but he chose not to. Instead, David Slone decided to act as if he was writing for the local tabloid and slander an individual that was nothing but wonderful person. David Slone did not interview any family members, police officers or medical professionals. The story was completely one-sided and did not depict what actually happened that night.
For a family that had just lost someone they hold so near and dear, one would think the facts would be checked and that a truthful story would be written about the wonderful person that is and will always be Zach England. David Slone should be ashamed of what he wrote. I hope he knows he not only submitted a story that did not hold any truth but also hurt a grieving family even further.
Kate England-Blubaugh
Grand Rapids, Mich., via e-mail
Editors Note: All the information contained in the story the letter writer references is contained in a police report that is available for public inspection.
