Kevin and Rachel Lange

This is a hard message to write. Kevin and Rachel Lange were in a motorcycle accident this past weekend in Denver on their way to Sturgis. Kevin is in ICU on a ventilator and Rachel is dead. I am attaching the emails that I have received so that you can read what I have read. Please pray for Kevin and Stephen and Austin.

Kevin and Rachel Lange were in an accident on their motorcycle in Denver. Rachel was killed instantly and Kevin is in intensive care at St. Anthony's Hospital in Denver. It happened late Saturday night. We went up to Denver yesterday and saw Kevin and he is in bad shape, but stable at the moment. He is unconscious and doesn't know about Rachel.


I don't know if you guys have heard this unfortunate news or not however, Kevin Lange was in a serious accident. I'm not sure of his wifes name but she died. I know that it is not Correna anymore. Kevin is on ventilation somewhere in Colorado. The only details I have at the time is they were on there way to Sturgis for the annual bike rally. I don't know if this was a motorcycle related accident or not, but I am guessing it is because I have stayed in contact with Kevin and I new he bought a Harley. Let your prayers be with him and his family. My DSN is 317-552-7875. I'll try and keep all the Wire Dawgs I know from Eielson in the loop on this.

I'll post more info as I get it.

Bugman

Here is a follow-up on Kevin and Rachel.

Saturday night, Kevin and Rachel were in Denver, Colorado with Eric and Becky getting ready to leave for Sturgis. They went out for dinner, and a ride, and on the way back to Becky's sister's house, Kevin and Rachel's bike was hit by a truck.

Rachel did not survive. She didn't feel any pain. Kevin is in ICU at St. Anthonys Hospital in Denver. He has two broken legs, a broken pelvis, and internal bleeding. He has been unconscious since the accident and he doesn't know about Rachel yet.

We just got home from Denver, Kevin is doing as well as can be expected. At first the doctors weren't sure if he was going to make it, but they said his numbers were looking phenominal and he's made it through the crucial first 24 hours. The doctors operated on his legs and put him in traction, and right before Jeff and I headed home they were doing another surgery to insert a filter in one of his arteries to prevent blood clots from reaching his upper extremities.

Becky said he opened his eyes for just a second when the doctors moved him from his operating bed to his ICU bed, so we were pretty excited about that. Nancy and Kenny Lange are grateful for the calls, well wishes and support and just ask that you continue to pray for Kevin's recovery.

Rachel's family is holding a memorial service for her on Thursday, 7 Aug @ 1000, at Horan & McConhey Funeral Home in Denver, (303)745-4418. There will also be a full military honors memorial service for Rachel at Hill AFB, Utah on Monday, 11 Aug, but I do not know the time yet. The family asks that if you would like to send something, please send either a donation to a charity in Rachel's name, or send a donation to the family to assist with expenses. I will get an address for you tomorrow.

Here is the address where you can send donations in Rachel's name, or to her family:

Mike and Deana Babb
12425 SW Clark Hill Rd.
Hillsboro, OR 97123

From: Wallwork Nate Civ OO-ALC/LHD
Sent: Tuesday, August 05, 2003 11:55 AM
To: Eason Jonathan K SSgt 89CS/SCMP
Subject: RE: Accident


Kevin,
I can only add un-confirmed details that we've heard here. Word has it that Kevin and Rachel were riding on one bike and were making a left turn at an intersection late in the evening. A bus was on coming and Kevin started to turn and either turned in front of a truck that was on the outside of the bus or the truck may have ran the light and struck Kevin and Rachel as they tried to clear the intersection. The collision was close to head on. Neither of them were wearing helmets. Both were received at the hospital without vital signs. Two different versions of Rachel's situation are being heard. One is that she was pronounced dead at the scene, the other is that they revived her at the hospital, but that she died 10 hrs later. Kevin was revived twice and is in a coma on life support in stable but critical condition. Don't know if the coma is induced or result of head trama. Also don't know the extent of his injuries. Comment was made that nearly every bone in his body was broken. I've attached a notice for a memorial for Rachel. If I hear any additional information, I'll send it to you. We're all pulling for Kevin.

LH Folks,

Over the weekend two members of our LH family were in a tragic accident in the Denver area. Unfortunately, we lost SrA Rachel Lange, an Air Force Reserve Individual Mobilization Augmentee assigned to the LH Directorate. Rachel's husband, TSgt Kevin Lange remains in serious condition at a Denver hospital. Kevin is on active-duty and assigned to LHD. While family members are working to finalize plans for Rachel's funeral, it appears services will be in the Denver area Wednesday or Thursday. A team from the Center met yesterday and is tentatively planning a memorial service in honor of Rachel at the Base Chapel Monday, 11 Aug at 1000. The Lange's have two young children who are being care for by the<

I called and talked to Kevin's Mom, Nancy, last night. She is doing okay and is amazed at how many people are calling and showing up from around the world. If you want to call, the number is 1-303-629-3511. I talked to Eric and Becky, the other couple with them, and they cleared the intersection seconds before Kevin and Rachel made the left turn and Becky didn't see the truck that hit them. Nancy wants everyone to keep praying for Kevin, she says that it is working for him.

Jonathan (Bugman) Tolle

I say that we get the word out, and at let's say 1000 (Eastern) time zone on Monday, 11 Aug 03. We all stop what we are doing and have a moment of silence for Rachel and a prayer for Kevin. This way those of us scattered through out the World can unite for a moment to remember and reflect on two individuals that have touched the hearts of so many of us. We can also say a prayer for Rachel and Kevin's families to help them through this time.

James Hanes

Has anyone heard any updates about Kevin Lange?? If so, could you please post them on here so everyone can get the info. Thanks.

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Bugman replies from Langley AFB on Wednesday, August 20, 2003 at 1103L
Here is the latest that I have received on Kevin.

Hey guys,
Kevin was doing OK last night. The night before, they finished up surgery on his knee pretty late but everything went well. The procedure really took a lot out of him though. He is also running a fairly high temp and the docs are mildly concerned about an infection. That is to be expected and they are doing what they can for him. The decided to put off his pelvis surgery for a day or two or at least until his fever comes down. All things considered, he is doing well and resting as comfortably as he can. More to follow as we hear what's going on.

Eric

We have lost a great Wiredawg. Kevin Lange has passed on. He died peacefully this morning in his sleep.

I am going to be out of touch for the next two weeks but I will try to get the information about his funeral and post it as soon as I can. If you need more information Kevin Eason, on the locator, is receiving the same information that I am posting and he can help with information.

Bugman

Kevin & Rachel,

You two were the most "real" people I've had the opportunity of spending good times with. You will forever be in my heart and memories along with many, many other people and especially the WIREDAWGS. Our prayers are with your family and always keep an eye on us!!!! To the memory of Kevin & Rachel Lange, we love you.

Christopher Kegebein

I am putting together a tribute to Kevin Lange. I am asking that if anyone has any photos of Kevin, if you wish, please send them to me at michael.horr@hill.af.mil. I thank you all for you assistance.

Michael Horr

Kevin was not only my friend but he also honored me as my best man at my wedding. As someone who new him during his rocky first marriage I was so happy when he and Rachel got together. They were made for each other and they both loved life. Rachel was a happy go lucky person that we teased a little too much when we worked together at Scott. My heart goes out to Steven and Austin, they have lost two wonderful parents.

Take care buddy I will never forget you.

Bill (TSgt William Little)

It breaks my heart to hear of this tragedy. Rachel and Kevin were both good friends during my stay at Scott AFB. The two of them will be deeply missed.

Derek Brown "D" Brown

Kevin and Rachel

As your supervisor (boss man as you called me) at Kadena for 4 years, it was an honor and a privilege to know both of you. Every now and then you come across some very special people like yourselves that have a zest for life and live it for the day. You could always bring a smile to my face, and that was hard to do! May God bless you and be by your side in your journeys into your next life.
I truly looked forward to seeing both of you again, and now that I can’t............. You will be missed more than you can imagine.
Pray for Steven and Austin, they have lost 2 wonderful parents.

Posted on behalf of Kimo Da Bald Hawaiian

Kevin and Rachel,

You two were awesome people for each other and everyone around you. It was a pleasure to have known you. It's difficult to grasp the reality of you not being around anymore. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family...

One of the many lucky enough to have known you,

Posted on behalf of Brian

Thank you to the one who made the tribute to Kevin and Rachel slide show. It captures both of them just as everyone knew them! As soon as I saw the pic with Kevin in the little bra, I was rolling on the floor with tears in my eye because to me, that is exactly how I saw Kevin (not that I pictured him in ladies underwear) but the humor and entertainment he brought with him. Again, thanks for the memories!
-Keg-

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Rebecca Bab replies from F.E. Warren AFB, WY on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at 1611L

Thanks for sending me the link to the slideshow. That was awesome. I agree about Kev in a bra. He was such a goof.

My mom sent me an e-mail this morning about this website. I wanted to say that everything you guys are saying is awesome. Rachel and Kevin would've have loved this so much. Rachel was my sister and she is very missed. My parents and I spread Rachel's ashes on the Oregon Coast on the 9th of September. That way maybe the ocean can take her around to visit all of you. So, next time you go to the beach, she might be there. Thank you from my family and I for everything all of you have done, the cards and letters have just been flooding in. It is just amazing. Thank you so much.

Posted on behalf of Rebecca Babb

Crystal Franco told me of this sight and i am forever grateful. we are Rachel's parents. They used to tell us all about the specail coins youall have-that was not around when Mike was inthe service. Your E-mails, letters,and cards of support have touched us beyond words. Rachel really did light up a room, even as a baby. her first cry was at nine months> always so happy. there aren't any words inthe english language to explain how much we miss her, but hearing little bits and pieces of her life from others gives us great joy. And for the person that teased her about sleeping all the time-that was our girl. she coudl fall asleep walking. I doubt she has ever heard a complete sermon in her life. Again we thank you and wish all of you safety as you serve our great country. God Bless.

Posted on behalf of Deanna and Michael Babb

Hello from Kevin Lange's parents
We want to thank you all so very much for your kind thoughts in you emails, cards, calls and visits.
We were told of your website while we were in Denver with Kevin. We looked at it often and would relay your messages to him.
Kevin and Rachel had a wonderful life together, they lived it to it's fullest. They were very blessed to be surrounded by their great friends in the Air Force.
Each and everyone of you are so special to us and are now a part of our family - to help fill the void - they've left.
Our focus now is to insure that their boys have a chance at an equally fulfilling life. They are great little guys. It's heartbreaking to know that they will not have Kevin and Rachel to guide them, but we will do our best to do what they would have wanted.
Again, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please stay in touch - the boys would love to hear from you and please know that you are always welcome to call or visit us in Illinois.

Posted on behalf of Ken & Nancy Lange