The Winnipeg Sea Bears are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our team captain and leader, Chad Posthumus on November 20, 2024.   Stricken by a brain aneurysm on November 9th and then by complications arising from corrective surgery, Chad fought hard but was unable to recover.  Chad was and will always remain the face of our team.   After a long, successful career playing abroad and for Team Canada, Chad was so excited to finally play professional basketball in his hometown, and he gave so much of his time and energy to both the team and our community. For that, we are eternally grateful.   Chad’s family and his partner, Meagan, need time to absorb this huge loss. To support them and grieve together as a community, we’ve set up an online Book of Condolences that you can access her e.  With Chad, we’ve won, lost and experienced joy TOGETHER, and now we must come TOGETHER again in grief, and mourn his loss. We know that this news and the emotions associated with such a huge loss is very difficult to process. We’ve gathered some resource materials that are available on our website, should you feel you need support.   The Posthumus family has asked that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation . More ways to honour Chad’s memory will be announced in due course.  We thank all of you for your support. Memorial service details will follow.   Add to the Book of Condolences  RESOURCES   Suggestions for communicating loss with younger children The death of a public figure can significantly affect children, as well as adults. This could be their first experience of death, and they might not really understand it, or maybe they have been bereaved and this brings up those difficult feelings again. After the death of an athlete, the news and social media will be talking about it, so it’s important to know how to talk to a child or young person you’re supporting. Use clear, age-appropriate language Although it’s tempting to use terms like ‘gone to sleep’, ‘passed away’ or ‘lost’, this can be confusing to children who often take things literally. If they’ve gone to sleep, why can’t we wake them up? If they’re lost, why can’t we find them? Although using words like ‘dead’, ‘died’ and ‘death’ might feel blunt and harsh, these words make it easier for children to understand the finality of death. How to explain what death is This might be a child or young person’s first experience of death and, if they are younger, they might not fully understand what death actually means. This can be confusing and frightening for them. When someone dies, their body has stopped working and they can’t be brought back to life. They are no longer able to do the things they could when they were alive, such as move or talk. When someone dies, their heart stops beating, they stop breathing, their brain stops thinking. Be honest Without clear information, children might ‘fill the gaps’ themselves to try and understand what is happening. If you’re able, it’s better to be open, honest and direct when talking about death. There will also be lots of information available to them elsewhere – on TV, online, overhearing conversations and playground talk. This can mean that children imagine all sorts of things about a death, which are often worse that the reality. Let them know their feelings are normal Whatever the child or young person is feeling, whether it’s anger, sadness, guilt, worry, confusion and more – these are all valid, normal reactions after learning about the death of someone. They may not be upset because they didn’t really have a connection to the athlete, and that’s fine. However, if they are upset, it would be unhelpful to say something like, ‘you didn’t know them so you can’t be sad’, and, instead, reassure them that it’s okay to feel what they’re feeling because their connection is real to them. Share your own experiences of grief. In some cases, you may also be experiencing a deep sense of loss about the athlete that has passed, or you may be able to draw from other times in your life you’ve felt grief. Don’t be afraid to share how you are feeling, while being mindful not to overpower the conversation. While our focus is on helping youth to process their own thoughts and emotions, your empathy and lessons you’ve learned can let youth know that these feelings are normal. When talking with youth about how they are feeling about an athletes death, here are some questions you can ask: • How are you feeling about this? • What are some ways that they inspired you? • Have you had someone you cared about pass away? What were some things that made you feel better then? • How can you apply lessons you’ve learned from their life to yours? • How can you support your friends who are also sad about this? • What can I do to support you? Also recognize that youth may not be ready to talk about their emotions right away. In that case, assure them that you are there for them when they are ready, and ask what you can do to support them in the meantime. For older youth The world can feel particularly heavy when a beloved athlete passes away. While they may not have known you personally, the connection we feel to these figures can be intense and meaningful. Here are some ways for teens to cope with the grief that can come from such a loss. 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings It’s perfectly normal to feel sad, angry, or even confused when a famous person dies. Acknowledge these feelings instead of pushing them aside. Allow yourself to grieve in your own way. Journaling can be a helpful tool for processing your emotions; write about what this person meant to you and how their work influenced your life. 2. Talk About It Share your feelings with friends, family, or even online communities who understand your grief. Talking about your emotions can help you feel less isolated. You might find that others share your love for the celebrity and can relate to your feelings of loss. 3. Celebrate Their Legacy Find ways to honour the memory of the person who has passed. This could be through practicing, working to learn a new skill, or engaging with their work in other ways. Creating a tribute, such as a scrapbook or a dedicated social media post, can also serve as a meaningful outlet for your feelings. 4. Seek Comfort in Community Sometimes, talking to others who also are impacted can provide a sense of belonging. These communities often share stories, memories, and tributes that can help you feel connected during a time of mourning. You might also find comfort in attending memorials or tribute events if they’re available. 5. Engage in Activities That Bring You Joy While it’s important to grieve, don’t forget to engage in activities that bring you happiness. Whether it’s spending time with friends, engaging in a hobby, or enjoying nature, these moments can help balance the sadness and remind you that joy still exists. 6. Limit Exposure to Negativity In the wake of an athlete’s death, social media can be a mixed bag. While some conversations can be uplifting, others may be filled with negativity or controversy. If you find that certain discussions or posts are upsetting you, consider taking a break from social media or curating your feed to focus on positive and supportive content. 7. Practice Self-Care During times of grief, it’s essential to take care of yourself. Prioritize sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in physical activity. Consider mindfulness practices like meditation or deep-breathing exercises to help centre your emotions. 8. Reach Out for Support If you find that your feelings of grief are overwhelming and interfering with your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional support. School counsellors, therapists, or support groups can provide guidance and tools to help you navigate your emotions. Conclusion Coping with the death of a famous person can be a unique and profound experience, especially for teens who may be exploring their identities and passions. Remember, it’s okay to grieve and to seek support. Allow yourself the space to honour your feelings and celebrate the legacy of those who have inspired you. In time, you’ll find ways to carry their memory forward, keeping their spirit alive in your heart. 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