Pubdate: Wed, 07 Mar 2012
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2012 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact: http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/letters/sendletter.html
Website: http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Holly Aguirre, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 

CHASE BURNETT, 16: JUNIOR VARSITY SOCCER PLAYER BELOVED BY FAMILY,
FRIENDS

The death of Chase Burnett rocked the town of Fayetteville. More than
200 friends and family members visited his parents' home Sunday night.

Chase's classmates at McIntosh High School were so shaken by the news
that they remained silent throughout lunch period the following Monday
morning, and signed a memorial wall in his honor.

"Chase was accepted, adored, loved and respected by all his peers,
friends and adults. He absolutely loved life," said his father, David
Burnett. "We're sincerely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and
support that we have received."

Chase Burnett, a 16-year-old honor student and junior varsity soccer
player, died late Saturday night after smoking synthetic marijuana
known as "Spice." His father discovered Chase in a hot tub at the
family's Diamond Point residence early Sunday morning. The cause of
death remains undetermined, but, according to Mr. Burnett, an autopsy
is scheduled.

"If my son's tragic mistake can save the life of another child, then
his life will not have been in vain," Mr. Burnett said. "He
experimented and that unfortunately led to his death."

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Carl J.
Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City. A memorial service will be
held Friday at 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church Peachtree City. The body
will be available for viewing from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the church.

Chase, a sophomore, was born and raised in Fayette County and a member
of First Baptist Church in Peachtree City. He was a member of the
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and was outgoing, well-liked and
kind to all he met.

"His smile was a lot like Tom Cruise's in 'Risky Business'. He was Mr.
Hollywood," said family friend Norris Blount. "All the kids adored
him."

Chase loved sports, was an avid snowboarder and dedicated himself to
becoming a better soccer player. The McIntosh soccer program is one of
the finest in the nation, a tradition that Chase was proud to be a
part of. His support for his teammates was unwavering and the feeling
was mutual.

"Chase was unbelievably dedicated and passionate about soccer," said
Drake Dale, Junior Varsity soccer coach at McIntosh. "He was the only
kid that I'd see in the gym, and the only kid running laps before practice."

Varsity head coach Bunky Coleman will start only ten players, a man
down in honor of Chase, for the beginning of play at this Friday's
match against Whitewater High School until the first time out. At the
first time out, a substitution for Chase will be made. Students and
players alike will wear black armbands with the young man's initials
on them at Friday's game.

"As long as I am coach, the players will wear the bands in Chase's
memory," Coach Dale said.

Chase is survived by his parents David and Yvette Corbitt Burnett of
Fayetteville; brothers Tyler Andrew Burnett and Bryce David Burnett of
Fayetteville; and grandparents Bill and Rita Corbitt of Vinton, Va.
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