Blair River was a very young man who passed away March 1. At this point, it is unclear why. Perhaps it was because of pneumonia that he contracted after having the flu. He was 29-years-old.
Blair River
It is always hard to write about such a vibrant young man who had his life cut incredibly short. All of the things that he never got to do, in which, many of us take for granted.
Blair River had been a heavy weight state champion in high school. He played football at his community college. At the time of his passing, he was a financial advisor at University of Phoenix. Blair River also had a daughter who was one of the loves in his life. His family and many friends will dearly miss him.
Articles about Blair River:
While reading some of the articles about him, it was upsetting to see so many attacking what he was and not who he was. He was obese. That is not who he was. Blair River was a person who really enjoyed life. His family, friends and co-workers were an important part of it. They were valued very much by him. Blair River’ tragic death was not in what kind of food he ate or how much he weighed, but that he is no longer with his loved ones. It is very sad to see someone who was so appreciative and kind to others, die so young. Now, everyone that knew Blair River will carry an empty spot in their hearts for the rest of their lives.
Spokesman for the Heart Attack Grill:
Blair River was a spokesperson for the Heart Attack Grill since last year, where he promoted their food. Actually, he was very good at this type of work, throwing likeable ideas at his boss, Jon Basso, owner of the restaurant. He also acted in some satirical commercials. Obviously, all of his weight did not come from there. He did weigh almost 600 pounds. But, he was 6’ 8” tall. That is almost 7’ tall. So, when complaining about his weight and blaming it on his diet, also think of the size of his body.
Many wrote with the title bearing his name, but some articles seemed to be written more for talking about “fat people and their fatty diets” than with an emphasis on Blair River’s celebration of life. Some also showed down right contempt for restaurants such as the Heart Attack Grill. The articles felt more like a witch hunt on burger joints.
Heart Attack Grill:
The Heart Attack Grill does go all out in getting customers. They sell burgers with names such as the “Quadruple Bypass Burger” and people over 350 pounds eat there for free. Granted, the mockery exhibited by the owner is odd. It does not help in trying to get people to eat healthy foods. But, this is America. There are conflicting advertisements everyday in this country, some with the theme of eating healthy and some eating at burger joints or other high calorie venues.
CDC:
The CDC gives other reasons, besides caloric intake, for being over weight such as genetics, environment, metabolism and a person’s behavior. There are many things that can cause obesity or being overweight. Many people have tried to loose weight and no matter what food choices they make, their weight does not go down.
America:
How many people have never eaten at a burger joint or had that extra helping of desert? We have the right to eat where we want too. It is up to us. Blair River was no exception. His death, at such a young age, could very well have something to do with his weight. But, writing titles of Blair River’s death with underlying agendas is just not right.
I also wrote an article about Blair River. I tried to be compassionate and expressed feelings of his loss to those who loved him. I realistically tried writing about the Heart Attack Grill and other causes for obesity and being overweight. It was not about what he was. It was about him and trying to get people to understand there is not just one reason for people being obese or overweight.
Sources:
Zoe Fox "Blair River, Heart Attack Spokesman, Dead at 29, from the flu"
Weldon B. Johnson, The Arizona Republic "575-Pound Geart Attack Grill Spokesman dies at 29"
Kathy Mann - I have a lot of interest and experience in writing about politics, gardening, preserving foods, real estate, art and keeping up with ...
