Eric Hansen's sarcastic sense of humor, passion for Cleveland sports and endearing smile are just some of the things that will be missed about the Ohio University sophomore who died Wednesday.
Hansen, who fell from the top-half of a window on the fourth floor of Weld House Tuesday night, was transported to Grant Medical Center in Columbus where he died at 1:39 p.m. Wednesday. OU Police still are investigating the cause of the fall.
When family and friends learned of Hansen's injuries, they rushed to Grant Medical Center where he spent his last hours surrounded by those who loved him, his older brother 23-year-old Andrew Hansen said.
When the family returned to their home in Seven Hills, Ohio, several cars were already in the driveway as friends and relatives offered food and condolences. By the end of the night, the whole street was packed with vehicles, Andrew added.
The support from family and friends has been outstanding
he said.
Eric Hansen, who was studying engineering at OU, is survived by his father Dennis, mother Carrie and older brothers Andrew and Brian, who is a senior at Bowling Green State University.
Eric Hansen graduated from Normandy High School in Parma, Ohio, where he played football and wrestled.
He was incredibly talented. Very fast. He took coaching well. When he wanted to he was quite an excellent athlete said Joe Kacsandi, one of Hansen's football coaches. Hansen was a defensive back, punt returner and occasionally a running back for the team.
Hansen returned to help wrestlers from his high school after graduating, Andrew Hansen said. Those wrestlers who worked with Hansen were saddened by the loss, Kacsandi said.
He had an impact on younger students
Kacsandi said.
Hansen also showed skill in the classroom. University of Toledo sophomore and friend DJ Feuerstein said Hansen did well in school without trying.
Teachers aren't supposed to have favorite students
but he found a way to become one of mine
said Kevin Jakub, who teaches Advanced Placement economics and government at Normandy High School.
Kent State University sophomore Marc Lechlitner described Hansen as honorable and trustworthy.
He was the definition of a best friend
said Lechlitner, who met Hansen when they were 2 years old, playing with GI Joes during their older brothers' baseball games.
He always had a happy-go-lucky attitude about life. He loved being around his friends and was always making jokes to put a smile on people's faces
wrote OU sophomore Kaitlan Phillips, in an e-mail. Phillips has known Hansen since middle school.
Mike Vittardi, a sophomore at Bowling Green who met Hansen in the seventh grade, said his friend would often quote Seinfeld or crack a joke.
He was one of maybe three or four people who you could count on for a smile
Vittardi said.
Visitation hours will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Busch Funeral Home in Parma. The funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Columbkille Church in Parma.
If OU students are interested in traveling to Parma for the services, the university will make arrangements for transportation, Dean of Students Ryan Lombardi said. Lombardi's office can be contacted at 593-1800.
OU students have expressed interest in a memorial for Hansen, but nothing has been decided, Lombardi said.
Jessie Balmert, jb196605@ohiou.edu
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