Flag Football Tournament Held to Honor Teen Who Drowned
CLEARWATER —
A Bay area woman is turning a personal tragedy into something good.
Logan Kushner, 19, drowned nearly a year ago after using synthetic marijuana. Since then, his mother, P.A. and her husband have created a charitable foundation in their son’s honor.
On Saturday, dozens turned out for a flag football tournament at DiMaggio Complex in Clearwater, where Kushner spoke for the first time since his death.
“It’s amazing to see all his best friends and all the others who jumped on board to support this,” Kushner said.
The teen died last January while home on Christmas break. Officials said he drowned in 14 inches of water after trying a form of synthetic marijuana that was legal at the time.
That synthetic marijuana is now illegal, thanks to a state law signed in April.
Logan Kushner was a standout student-athlete who would try to help others, his mother said.
“He never missed an opportunity to be there for someone else,” she said.
To honor his life, the Kushners, along with her son’s friends, launched the non-profit “I’m Logan It” for others to learn from his mistake.
“When we first started talking about it, we didn’t know how many people would come out,” Logan’s friend Carl Stippert said. “And to see this many people come out to support the cause is great.“
Logan Kushner was the quarterback of the flag football team “Shake That Bear,” and his friends said they couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the foundation.
“I think he’s watching down on us and he’s proud of it,” friend Jared Stippert said.
With $25,000 already raised through the foundation set to go to scholarships and charitable organizations, the group said they are off to a good start to “Logan It.”
“This is all about what he would be doing if he were here today,” P.A. Kushner said.
By Ashley Jeffery, Reporter
Central Florida News 13
A Tribute to Logan: Gone But Never Forgotten
In Loving Memory of
Logan Matthew Kushner
October 17, 1992 – January 8, 2012.
You never think bad things really happen to good people, and this saying holds true to Logan. No one can even come close to describing the adventure and enthusiasm that was possessed by Logan Kushner. During his short time on campus here at Stetson University, he involved himself in many activities. Firstly, Logan was a member of Greek Life – a pledge of Pi Kappa Alpha. He also was involved in intramurals for his fraternity. He managed to lead Pi Kappa Alpha to many wins with some amazing touchdowns during football season. Logan had many ambitions during his first semester of college and was never afraid to tackle them. For instance, he wanted to start a wrestling club. He knew what his goals were and was ready to achieve them.
I don’t want to sound cliché, but Logan brought everyone joy with his bright smile, not only to his Fraternity brothers and friends, but even to the people that were not very close to him at all. This was because he was such an outgoing guy and was never discourteous. He made friends with almost any person he came in contact with. People loved him not only because he could make anyone laugh in a split second, but also because he was such a genuine guy. I can’t stress enough the impact that Logan had for the short first semester at college on many of us. I don’t think anyone thought this was going to happen to such an amazing person. You’re so loved, it’s unreal, yet amazing. Manymiss you, Logan, and you’ll forever be in the hearts of many.
Logan Matthew Kushner was honestly one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He always knew how to cheer anyone up. Logan always had a smile on his face. I’ll never forget the day I met him, and how he said “Hi I’m Logan, will you marry me please?” The many times I spent with Logan were filled with genuine happiness and laughter. He was truly a great person with a beautiful soul. It’s sad when someone so young and filled to the brim with life has to be torn from those who love him. God must have needed another Angel.You’ll be forever in my prayers and you’ll be missed by every single life that you touched. So just watch over us all and we’ll see you someday. Rest In Peace<3
