Kristin's high school sweetheart died of an apparent heart attack on Sunday, June 28, 1998.  They dated from January 1994 (her junior year) until her 2nd semester of college at Iowa State.  Brad and Kristin went to Europe during the summer of '94 with their French teacher, Cindy Grady.  It was a fabulous trip and they have many fond memories of London, Paris, Madrid and places in between.

Heather and I never got to know Brad very well.  We think that he was a little on the shy side during those years, and I also think that he was somewhat intimidated by us.  Only now, after he's gone, do we realize how important he was to Kristin and how much in love they were. 

After hearing of his sudden death, I looked at Kristin's high school yearbook to see Brad's picture and to read what he had written in her book. He was an incredibly sensitive young man and he'll be missed by his family, friends and acquaintances. 

Bradley Lee Wright Obituary (Decatur IL "Herald and Review" June 30, 1998)

One of Brad and Kristin's first dates was the Spring '94 "Sweetheart Dance" at Stephen Decatur High School.  Kristin was a junior and Brad was a senior. 

Brad and Kristin attended Decatur Lutheran Schools together for a year. Kristin was in 5th grade, Brad was in 6th.  They rode the same bus to school.  Heather reminded Kristin while they were dating that Brad used to pick on her during the bus rides... so much so that we had to call the principal to put a stop to it. 
 

Note: Click the photo to see a larger version

Kristin was selected "Prom Queen" during her senior year.  Brad was her date, for their second prom together on May 13, 1995.  They really made a handsome couple.

Kristin hadn't seen Brad for quite some time prior to his death, and it had been about a year since they'd spoken to each other.  Still, they remained friends.