Connor Rutledge
It’s with a very heavy heart that we bring you the heartbreaking news that Colleen Rutledge’s 8-year-old son Connor passed away this morning. Connor stopped breathing one week ago today, and Colleen’s husband, Brian, courageously performed CPR to revive him. Since then, Connor had been in a coma at Johns Hopkins. A fighter since the day he was born, Connor battled severe brain and lung damage for his entire life. Today we mourn the loss of a little boy who served as an inspiration to so many people. There are no words to adequately express the sorrow we feel. Eventing Nation extends our deepest condolences to Colleen, Brian and the entire Rutledge family.
We will update this post with information on funeral arrangements once services have been finalized. Notes of comfort and condolences for Colleen and her family can be posted on her Facebook page. Update: An EN reader is coordinating meals for the Rutledge family during this difficult time. If you live in the Frederick, Md., area and would like to bring the family a meal, please sign up at their Take Them A Meal page. The page password is creventing.
UPDATE 2/5/13
From Brian Rutledge:
Here is Connor’s Obituary and info on times and services. This is a personal request from me, Colleen’s husband, if you are a fan or friend of Colleen’s and you live in the Maryland/Virginia/Pennsylvania area, if you can try to come and give Colleen support, I know she would appreciate it. Colleen has no family other than her immediate family in this area, they all live in Texas and it would mean a lot to her (and me) if she got support from her friends and fans. Thanks. Here is the Obituary:
Master Connor Michael Rutledge, 8-year-old son of Brian and Colleen Rutledge of Frederick, died unexpectedly Sunday, February 3, 2013 at Johns Hopkins Hospital.
He was born on December 30, 2004.
Connor was a first grader at Rock Creek School. He loved going to school, riding his tricycle and watching Sponge Bob. Connor loved anything with lights and sounds, and he especially liked the color red. His favorite toy was a light up aquarium. He loved playing with his brother and sisters.
Connor had an absolutely infectious laugh, and he had the ability to light up a room with his charm. Connor gave the gift of life by being an organ donor through the Living Legacy Foundation.
In addition to his parents, Connor is survived by his brother, Matthew; his sisters, Cassandra and Ciana; his maternal grandparents, Coy and Sallie Morris; paternal grandmother, Patricia Free and husband, Monte; paternal grandfather, William Rutledge and wife, Susan; his great-grandmother, Jane Wilhite; an aunt, Sabrina Morris; two uncles, Jeff Rutledge and wife, Jen, and Martin Rutledge and longtime girlfriend, Julie Layman; and numerous cousins.
Connor also will be fondly remembered by his special caretakers, Paula Zentmyer and Lisa Perez.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick.
A service of remembrance for Connor will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 8, 2013 from the funeral home chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Scott Clawson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Connor’s name to Rock Creek School, 191 Waverley Drive, Frederick, MD 21702.
Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.
