SKY KING

[@jamieburnett7877]

“Just a broken guy with a few screws loose”…. RIP brother

[@johntitorii6676]

Didn't really know it , till now.

[@danmaccabe]

@@johntitorii6676 late 20's is another life jump no one talks about but it could be the biggest one

[@shanefortner534]

This really hits home for the journey I am on

[@GManderson]

This one always hurts. He seemed like such a down to earth dude. Rest in peace buddy.

[@roostercogburn7243]

"Yeah Right I'm a White Guy" RIP brother.

[@Twick_Stick]

@Stevi Robinson what??

[@96AI]

Oh the pun

[@N.clark2009]

He was down to earth all right

[@troutwalker475]

@@roostercogburn7243 the fact that every video blocks this part out only emphasizes the issue. Stand up guys. We all feel this way. We either come together now or we die as individuals.

[@jackodonnell9685]

"I'll do a barrel roll and if that goes good go nose down and call it a night" gives me chills every time... Guy was ready to move on and went out on his terms

[@hksMovies]

he was a sensitive poet until his last breath. RIP

[@TrentPierceProjects]

He truly lived up to the name Sky King

[@countof3everybodyOD]

I’ve always felt if they were nicer to him they’d have had a better chance of getting him down

[@autism_momma_LosAngeles]

100% @@countof3everybodyOD

[@LightBearingOne]

Something about that moment still to this day gives me goosebumbs,, the sadness, the happiness and the being ALIVE in his voice before going out so calmly makes you wanna go out this way lol

[@jmecow]

A true testament to male depression. So many men will walk into a room of people smiling and laughing after crying and wanting to die just moments before. Rich was down to earth and friendly knowing he was about to die. It’s built into us men. Male depression is severely ignored, and all of us need to wake up and change. Fly high, Sky King.

[@SCHAFZAHL]

It is impossible to ignore what is silent about. You need to talk, and not play silent heroism. It's simple. Be happy.

[@the510wagon]

​@@SCHAFZAHL people don't really listen when you talk about deep, deep dark thoughts and helplessness. I'm so sick of hearing "just go talk to someone and your depression will get better" People can't handle what I have to say. They get really uncomfortable, real fast. If you don't really understand The Black Dog then STFU until you do.

[@mollyprysunka7741]

@@the510wagontherapy is what they mean. Get the really heavy shit off your chest but it’s not really fun or comfortable to have conversations with your friend that feel like you’re an unpaid therapist

[@the510wagon]

@@mollyprysunka7741 Firstly, you're incorrectly assuming I would offer my deepest, darkest thoughts to a friend / colleague / stranger / acquaintance. (Thank you for giving my judgement minimal credit) Secondly, the therapist I spoke with didn't really respond in a way that made me feel better. So I stopped going. (It's expensive, so I wanted some value from it) Thirdly, if ALL people don't change their attitudes towards uncomfortable conversations, we won't see positive progress regarding the elimination of the stigma. And it's the stigma that is literally killing good men.

[@bonniekeleman]

finding a therapist is like dating. you keep searching for one until you find one ur compatible with. don't give up hun 🤍

[@jpxfrdwatersonthethrd9772]

"What the hell is this guy doing?" Living.

[@Jimmietwotimes]

You misspelled dying.

[@hapotus410]

​@@JimmietwotimesI firmly believe that he was more alive at his last moments than you've been in your entire life

[@tomrogers4667]

​@@hapotus410damn right, probably lived more that day than anyone.

[@phoenixrising4995]

The fact they weren't able to replicate his manoeuvres in the flight sim is actually pretty incredible when you think about it.

[@ericreid3540]

Dam actually ?

[@gordilloedwin]

@@ericreid3540 it is obvious the flight sim has lower thresholds than that of the aircraft, but that in no way take merit from what he did... no pilot would even dare to do such maneouver so close to the ground. Massive gold balls this guy has... if he was alive I'd pay anything I have just to have a beer with him

[@xenn4985]

@@gordilloedwin It's also a testament to whoever maintained the aircraft. One overlooked stress fracture and that plane was dust.

[@gordilloedwin]

@@xenn4985 Yes, you are totally right! most impressive is the team that work on maintenance, I totally agree with thar statement.

[@SpadesNeil]

@@gordilloedwin He very nearly almost hit the water, too. It's a miracle he pulled it off.

[@markthoel9437]

Apparently that aircraft was never designed to do barrel rolls. It was the counter weight of his massive pure titanium balls that made it possible

[@breakfastsurreal5650]

😆🤣 well put brother.

[@KutWrite]

Not balls. The guy was deranged. No reason to make him into a hero.

[@USS-SNAKE-ISLAND]

LMAO

[@alexzegar]

😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😭😭😭😵

[@SrChalice]

Haha, I love this. Thank you!

[@MarvinHartmann452]

"It's better to have one day as a pilot, than a lifetime as a baggage handler" -Sky King.

[@richardramos5212]

this is dumb because all he had to do was go to pilot school......

[@nifaco581]

Yeah I don't think he had the time nor the money to do it@@richardramos5212

[@areyoutheregoditsmedave]

@@richardramos5212he taught pilot school for a day

[@dev1360]

​@@richardramos5212it's cute you don't understand at all what it takes to fly.

[@richardramos5212]

I dont. But I would guess it entails some sort of education and schooling from others who've already mastered it, no?@@dev1360

[@Gundam4President]

6 years ago we lost a man who lived more in a moment than most of us do in a lifetime Fly High, Sky King

[@Meteor_018]

rip

[@eddiemcneill9954]

Still thinking about him

[@edfed3797]

The way he sounded so normal. No crazy speach, no shouting or screaming, no heavy breathing. The fact that he sounds so normal is the reason it feels so real.

[@DEVOURTHEMACHINE]

He got a little wild for a second if you listen to the whole recording but yes for the most part he was very peaceful.

[@Bapulita]

i dont even think he swore a single time

[@spectre1725]

I think that's what fascinates a lot with this story. The guy is absolutely at peace with himself going out. Do you know that feeling when you quit a job and it just feels so great on the last day leaving. He completely sounds like that.

[@johnchristy4320]

I don’t even think he swore. “Holy smokes”

[@Michael-ii9fs]

I was waiting for a dadgum in there somewhere

[@hunterscars01]

This man flew when most are afraid to even jump. Fly High SKY KING.

[@johnlarke4452]

That’s stupid

[@northernredneck6333]

​@@johnlarke4452how so

[@0niYT]

@@johnlarke4452no dad huh

[@gabrielgarcia-zw8fu]

Romanticizing suicide in any form is never good. The man killed himself, though he didn't harm anyone physically his family and friends now bear the pain. Selfishness at its highest form.

[@isimbulamadm7972]

@@gabrielgarcia-zw8fu Though I certainly do think romaticizing suicide is never good too, I do think your words are a bit too extreme. "Selfishness at It's highest form" from this statement all I understood that you have never stumbled upon a really selfish person. This man is not the "selfishness at It's highest form". Just like how romaticizing suicide is never good, making these kinds of extreme statements are also never good.

[@coltonsmith5997]

There is no greater story representing the lives of the faceless than this one I think. And yet… why? Why does it have so much power I don’t understand. He’s like- an anti- martyr - countless people have pointed out that he was the reason they started to turn their lives around, so what did he do different? What made him so special that even I tear up. He turned me around, gave me a boost, and told me life was worth living… through suicide? I do not know the answer, other than that I am eternally grateful for him. I hope his family understands that even though the pain of losing him is great, he has moved mountain in thousands of lives around the world when no one else could. We owe that to you sky king. Hail to the sky king, may his memory live forever.

[@OliverJHughes]

Beautiful words my friend

[@waltershumer4211]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5CckKSbYtKartE here's one of the best modern philosophers I've ever heard of whose name is Keith Woods doing a quick analysis of Sky King and his symbolic significance in the modern world

[@breakfastsurreal5650]

Terrific comment 👍👏👌😀😊🙌. He sounded like a good dude for sure.

[@whiiteboyrick]

Bro, crying while reading this… well said🤝 Fly high, Skyking🕊

[@Soulsebb]

@@waltershumer4211 it says the video is private, if there is any way you know of for someone to see it I’d appreciate it. Beebo was someone I cared very much for

[@jennyTALEWARTS]

He did not go up there to die. He went up there to live. RIP SKY KING.

[@spol]

He went up to live. He went down to die.

[@thizizack]

Amen

[@Fu.kAUsername]

​@@spollol smh

[@Nacho-Mamma]

Did you all hear something I didn't? While choking back tears, he clearly stated that he was seriously depressed and would not be landing the plane. You all are basing your comments on the last part of his conversation with the ATC operation. But, you're wrong. Do you know anything about the emotional process of suicide? When someone is considering suicide, they go through the entire emotional gambit except for one. Most of the time, they contemplate what they're going to do, and eventually back out. As for everyone else, when they finally commit themselves to suicide, they enter the final phase of resolve & euphoria. They accept it and feel at peace and relieved. And at that point, they reach the end of their journey & end their life. Yes, it's sad when someone ends their life. But, what's even more sad is that they try reaching out to friends and family for help, but they take it as a joke and just brush it off. So, he most certainly DID NOT go up there to live! He planned on committing suicide. And, no amount of talking would have changed his mind.

[@beestek.94]

​@@Nacho-Mamma did he reach out to friends and family? Because majority of the people that offed themselves through suicide stayed quiet and keep to themselves what they are feeling until their end.

[@iaintnemo8940]

anyone that feels a certain way in a bad way about how he went through with what he, did is wrong. He made his intentions clear, was polite, cooperative and more importantly considerate. Feeling that way as a human is uncontrollable and scary but his approach and execution is remarkable. He’s the most free human being I’ve seen in forever. Long live sky king. Remember you are loved and important. ❤️

[@vicomi999]

For just the blink of an moment this guy was the freest person on earth and for that he will never be forgotten

[@wvleeuwen01]

Yes

[@mr.bungis2080]

Wish I could have grabbed that man a beer. Fly high SKY KING. We are the broken ones, not you 👑

[@whiiteboyrick]

cheers to you mate🤝

[@gettothepoint2707]

Fr man

[@KoldTurkey]

Wow your comment brought tears to my eyes for real !!!😢

[@bigstylee6700]

❤

[@JustAnOrdinarySimmer]

We just don't go around stealing planes costing tax payers millions because, erm...we are not actually broken or selfish

[@kianhail6404]

the last conversation in this video where he made ATC chuckel a bit , that was beautiful. in his final moments the guy speaking to Richard knew what he was going to do and Richard still managed to make him laugh , that is beautiful :(

[@fiend_gaming]

I always feel so bad for the ATC, he really wanted to see Richard come down and be safe.

[@gasketsnotyetblown9467]

@@fiend_gaming I feel like in a way the guy knew and understood. Of course he had to try to make him land but he knew it wasn’t gonna work and he let him have his moment

[@jsb3605]

@@gasketsnotyetblown9467 He gives off paternal vibes too, I know they are not psychologists but I think this guy would be able to convince Richard to at least attempt to land safely

[@4EverNanes]

“Old and ancient souls” are taken from us too soon, i really hope they gettje highest spot in heaven With creator for they are truly understood on this earth.

[@staceyhrobertson]

Where did he laugh? I looked for it

[@Kwaighzo]

This is one of those deaths that makes me feel like I lost a friend. It’s the first death I’ve felt where some of the sadness is in the way he never was a friend. I don’t know what it is about him and his actions that really draws us in to him. As corny as it sounds, I feel like there’s a little bit of the Sky King in all of us. I wish he could have felt the admiration we have for him while he was still around.

[@Bonk_Quas]

I think that's what makes him so special, the fact he was such an interesting guy that got no attention or admiration while he was still around that makes his story so impactful. That in reality there are million people just like skyking with same thoughts as him, he was just the one to finally do it. He deserved better

[@4EverNanes]

Some souls are just too pure for this realm. 😢

[@4EverNanes]

@@Bonk_Quasbut at the same time i think why his legacy stays strong is because he managed to live more in an hour and 45 minutes than most will in their entire lifetime. Thats why he is forever memorialized. He will always fly high. R.I.P. Skyking. Such a gentle soul. I hope the family is able to deal with the grief

[@DarkLordofTheSith69]

The sky king lives on inside of us all

[@Brian-ux3jx]

Unfortunately in this world, the bad guys usually win. The most decent down to earth dudes I've met are usually the ones with the lowest paying blue collar jobs. And they will get shit on by many, especially women. Just like the killdozer guy. If you want to survive in this world we often have to become a pos to some extent and play their game. And some dudes would rather die with honor than live under someone boot.

[@shadowfaxframe]

"ive played video games before, so yeah i know what im doin a little bit" RIP SKY KING

[@slomonoaware]

Five years ago to the day. A martyr gives their life so that others have the courage to lay their lives down too. Sky King gave his life so that others could pick their lives back up.

[@thezerowulf2046]

Lay off the crack bro

[@annalisavajda252]

Actually I knew an airport baggage handler in Victoria where the plane was the day before and yeah they don't make much money it's fine at 25 like the guy I knew but sky king couldn't make ends meet couldn't stand it anymore so I fail to see how it is inspiring to working poor people. He had lived ones and a job still hated his life.

[@slomonoaware]

@@annalisavajda252 like a 747 taking off, the point of my post flew completely over your head

[@danielostrom566]

@@slomonoawarenot a great response either…

[@steveeights6536]

@@annalisavajda252 brother, I have considered taking myself out a few times. guys like this remind me that I can't do that. everyone in these comments wishes this guy was here, they want to have a beer with him. while I may not ever perform an incredible backflip in a jet, I can still be here for the people that I love, and the people that love me.

[@calebwebb1456]

Probably some of the greatest last words ever spoken "I'm gonna try and do a barrel roll and if that goes good, then I'm gonna go nose down and call it a night" Fly high bro

[@thomasche]

Fly high Sky King

[@eclipsetoys6551]

yep@@thomasche

[@HecViews]

That had me feeling happy and sad for him at the same time.

[@schqrr]

Yeah

[@hankschrader149]

SkyKing flew over my house on Hood Canal that night. The F15's sonic boom rattled my windows. RIP SkyKing!!

[@OliverJHughes]

Woahhhh

[@warriorprincessharmony]

F15 probably made him ditch the plane faster than he'd planned on

[@possiblepilotdeviation5791]

The F15 would have only made a sonic boom if it was exceeding the sound barrier.

[@johntitorii6676]

Had a jet fly over too , sonic boom rattle

[@RPGreg2600]

​@@possiblepilotdeviation5791 perhaps they were still trying to catch up to him as they flew over. I imagine they were hauling ass initially.

[@KolossusB]

Although tragic ending. His final moments were likeliest the happiest he had been in years, between shedding the shackles of feeling like you're trapped in your miserable life, and doing something he likely always wanted to do. I believe although absolutely troubled beyond repair, he was able to feel Joy again before he left. And thankfully only money was lost as collateral damage when he decided to end it with a fiery crash, outside of the trauma his family would have to process of course.

[@nawdawg4300]

None of us are beyond repair. That's part of what makes this story so sad. He clearly had a happy soul burried somewhere, you can hear it in his voice during his joyride.

[@21stCenturySpaceOdyssey]

@@nawdawg4300 It was still his choice to exit life. Personal autonomy, it was his right. The only criticism I have is that he destroyed a 30 million dollar plane.

[@Cartafilo_XXI]

@@21stCenturySpaceOdyssey 30 million USD$ or the life of a good man. I would be hardpressed to decide which one is woth the most.

[@nawdawg4300]

@@21stCenturySpaceOdyssey You misunderstand me. I'm not critizing him at all. I'm just shouting into the world that no one is beyond repair. Even in our darkest moments there is still the possibility of recovery/redemption.

[@mikabakker1]

@@21stCenturySpaceOdyssey its insured so no one lost money. Besides 30 mil didnt that much on the grand scheme of things

[@KaiserDrew]

Such a beautiful tragedy. The part that really hit me “just a broken guy got a few screws loose I guess, never really knew it till now…” it is a common theme with men’s mental health issues he never realized he had an issue till his last day. Pushed through life without, knowing and identifying the issue and which is why he never was able to get help. RIP Beebo

[@SCHAFZAHL]

It is impossible to ignore what is silent about. You need to speak, and not play silent heroism and wait for your silence to be heard. It's simple. Good luck! Be happy.

[@DiabloDude]

“I’ll try to do a barrel roll, and if that goes good. I’ll go nose down and call it a night” flight high Sky King, you will fly forever in our hearts

[@lucacompiani9576]

As someone who’s struggled with suicidal thoughts I find this video makes me see the beauty of life, Even in his last moments he was laughing and joking, and he cared about the people around him, truly a golden soul. Rest In power sky king.

[@sarah_loves_mittens]

YES!!! SAME HERE!!!! YESSSSS!!!💛💛💛

[@jeanneymar2390]

I see so much sadness on the internet, I hope life's not gonna be that hard..😕

[@karlhungus5554]

The Sky King reminds us that there is suffering all around us and that not all scars are visible. I still come back to the footage of his final hours to remember him and remind myself to be patient and kind with myself and others. I hope you're doing well, Luca.

[@karlhungus5554]

@@jeanneymar2390 Staying away from the internet is a good idea, but life is difficult. Just knowing that fact and truly accepting it can help to some degree. Storms will come, but they will also pass. Don't get so caught up in things that you forget to live your life. It passes quickly and time will seem to speed up, the older you get. Do things that matter to you. The clock is ticking.

[@jeanneymar2390]

@@karlhungus5554 Thank you for your advice, I totally agree.

[@Soulsebb]

Miss Beebo, he was a great friend, I was having a hard night thinking about him and listening to recordings of that day… thank you for this video, good to see people still remembering him.

[@clancamper]

His memory will live on forever

[@tonyortiz940]

He'll never be forgotten that's for sure.

[@kianhail6404]

sorry for your loss , I only heard about his story earlier it came up on recommended I've shed a tear to about 3 videos about him now , rest in peace sky king

[@ariadneschild8460]

Sorry for your loss, he seemed like a reasonable guy.

[@cubsfantrey3]

So sorry for your loss. He seems like an incredible person

[@kcchutes]

"i hope this doesnt ruin your day" broke me

[@thesunris]

"Hey pilot guy can this thing do a back flip you think?" Broke me

[@RagingHeavens]

The whole thing is a series of "broke me" moments. For me it was talking about disappointing family and friends. The apology. ruining the day also was hard

[@amyjewels]

I can't even put my finger on why, but I revisit this story every so often. It's incredibly sad but I also can't help but smile when I hear his voice. He sounds happy and he went out on his terms. Fly high, Sky King

[@Dayl_Adams]

Honestly I’m the same, in his own way he’s a martyr, it’s just incredible how his story has made all of us feel, fly high sky king

[@logang6583]

Same man. Gives me goose bumps of joy for what ever reason. Hearing a man happily living when you know he probably hasn't been for a while makes me happy and sad at the same time ❤

[@igambleforfun]

Same..Sky King

[@wolfpac9143]

I couldn’t have said it better my self I watched this on my birthday and I find my self tearing up every time

[@SantosTonic]

Richard flew into the sunset. Rest easy sky king

[@James-pg8ur]

Never forget the 10th of August 2018, the day the last Sky King soared

[@Kiwi-TwT]

He was just a broken man not willing to break or harm others and wanted his last moments to be the best. Best wished sky king and may you fly forever

[@julianrojas7359]

Nah hes a jerk. So many loved him and he was too selfish and blind

[@Kiwi-TwT]

@@julianrojas7359 that comment was from 2 months ago and you want drama now?

[@julianrojas7359]

@@Kiwi-TwT Just saw your comment and mentioned that i do not agree that he did not harm anyone by committing suicide

[@Kiwi-TwT]

@@julianrojas7359 he wished death on no one but himself the man just had a few screws loose.

[@avixs1543]

@@julianrojas7359 WTF IS YOUR PROBLEM...

[@crazycarl00]

It's incredible what you can do once you're broken.

[@theavalanchman]

I remembered him today for some reason. RIP Sky King.

[@SnazzyLobster45]

6 years on and I still think about you dude. I hope one day I can find peace like you did. Fly High, SkyKing.

[@oldmandigo]

I’m 29. 30 is when society pretty much tells you you old old now. He was 29 too. I think this was his childhood leaving in a way. He wanted to stay young and free forever.

[@im4evergrateful]

Cory Patterson is 29 as well, and almost recreated it over the weekend.

[@Yukiabiannightmare]

no, he reached manhood and found there was nothing there for him.

[@Theo_Blackledge]

This needs to be made into a movie

[@OliverJHughes]

It really does

[@liltony4059]

Ben afflac leading role!

[@TheHumbleGamer2014]

No, do not let Hollywood turn this mans quest for freedom into a fucking spectacle. A short film by an independent filmmaker I could handle, perhaps with all proceeds going to foundations to help those with the same mindset as Richard, but this mans legacy should be about the degradation of modern culture that led to his mindset and the triumph of the human spirit that gave him the strength to overcome it and sore among the clouds. His name was Richard Russel, and he was the man who broke his chains and achieved the freedom we all long for.

[@hihi3284]

@@ronald.pickering Um what was the Jewish part fot

[@pai8817]

Why? The real footage and audio provides for endless edits. It would be difficult to build a compelling long form story narrative around this. He's a cult hero, what kind of audience would it even have - normies can't relate to it.

[@SleazeSnooze1156]

RIP Sky king. Fly high brother

[@d0n315]

“A MAN SHOULD FEAR NOT DEATH, BUT RATHER THE TERROR OF NEVER STARTING TO LIVE.” RIP SkyKing

[@shrimpy141]

“ I wouldn’t mind just shooting the shit with you guys” damm proof a simple conversation can make a real difference

[@Kendingro]

Aug 10th 2021 This drink is for you Skyking. We miss you brother.

[@Anon3960]

July 17, 2024. This shot is for sky king. Fly high, Richard.

[@jackhertz1271]

​@Anon3960 Friday, August 16th, 2024. Smoking this joint for Skyking. Fly high brother.

[@franklinfarms4166]

can't stop crying watching this shit man I miss my friend so much I can never go back and almost a decade later it's clear the pain isn't going away

[@Bomkz]

❤

[@Meteor_018]

❤

[@DekaHaze]

❤

[@JakeBrown-p2i]

He’s with you everyday brother, it’s just see you again in the next one for now ❤️

[@ltdanslegs850]

It’s 2022 and sky king will never be forgotten!! You’re a legend!!!

[@miggs80]

Oh yes, a guy committing suicide is a legend. You’re probably a little slow.

[@shifty198885]

Never i'm sitting here drunk AF at 3pm on a weds wishing i could end it in a way that would be remebered liek this.

[@nelyubov285]

@@shifty198885 Are you ok?

[@gunr6165]

@@shifty198885 how you doing you still with us bro if are just know it ain’t weak to speak love you man

[@shifty198885]

@@gunr6165 Still here I honestly don't even remember posting this comment. Must have been a black out day. I've been sober for the past couple months all good here.

[@jackr7550]

I remember sitting on a couch in my work break room and watching this live as it happened and just thinking how awesome this guy was. I knew even at that time that these were this guys last moments and I couldn’t quite understand the weight of what was happening, I just thought it was cool and sad. I was 24 then. Im almost 30 now and i feel like I could be him, it’s an unbearable feeling. I can now imagine what this world put him through. I hope this legend lives on forever. I’ll remember him as long as I live

[@SlappoLS]

Man I still feel like that, watching this makes me tear up because he never knew what he had until it was too late. Fly high, SkyKing!

[@VanKvn]

Really feels like it could be anybody, just depends on what comes on your path in life

[@traceywatson20]

He represents the emptiness and sadness but also the courage and freedom in us all.

[@bartpeters7386]

“It was reckless. It was irresponsible. But if in your heart you know that performing a barrel roll over Puget Sound was pretty awesome, you must find my client not guilty.” I wish he had decided to land safely. “Please explain your felony conviction.” “I joyrided an Alaskan Airlines jet for a couple of hours- went for a little tour and performed some aerial maneuvers that made me a cult hero for minimum wage workers everywhere.” Me: “You’ve got the job. What are your other qualifications?”

[@OliverJHughes]

Incredible

[@xonlyy0u]

In an alternate universe. Skyking flies everyday.

[@Br4vado]

U mean besides barrel rolling a q200 (400?) And not breaking it in half pshhh well I wear these cool sandals

[@burner121]

What aren't his qualifications?

[@raoul_Silva]

Sky king knew that life has a thing inside it that reaches beyond itself. He ripped off the chains from the banality and dullness that is modernity. He got on that plane knowing that it wouldn’t be the end, instead he knew he would be reborn a god.

[@LennyCooley117]

The controller performed in such a way we all can aspire to. ATCers are not trained for anything of the sort and gave Rich nothing but support all the way down and I will never not feel for his potential guilt

[@Rizzbulla]

"What the hell is this guy doing?!" Living brother, living.

[@DOMAdams-g8b]

Dying

[@Threetwoiamthe1]

Everybody talking about sky king but can we appreciate how well this video was put together. Great work.

[@minutemanthezealoustiger1499]

What a guy. Wish he could've gotten the help he needed. The good die young, but legends are eternal. Rest in peace, Sky King

[@julianrojas7359]

Nah hes a jerk. So many loved him and he was too selfish and blind

[@minutemanthezealoustiger1499]

@@julianrojas7359 I have had very personal experience with someone very close to me dying of suicide. They would never have considered that if they had been in their right mind, and he wouldn't have either. Until you have the experience of that happening to your family, and learning about how little agency a suicidal person has over their mind, keep your opinion to yourself.

[@julianrojas7359]

​@@minutemanthezealoustiger1499 Of course. I feel like depression is mostly the person trying to be as little a nuissance as possible to those he loves and love him. I feel like pushing an agenda of making suicide a taboo selfish action would open the eyes of the person struggling during the hard time

[@julianrojas7359]

@@minutemanthezealoustiger1499 I have had an instance of a teacher begging a deeply depressed classmate to end himself and keep everyone else out of it. That strategy worked instantly. The student stopped bringing it up and consequently felt better.

[@minutemanthezealoustiger1499]

@@julianrojas7359 Due to generations of clinical depression, I can assure you that I had zero choice in whether of not I had depression. I've been taking meds since 13.

[@iAWP-]

Thanks for making this mate, you did a great job. R.I.P Richard "Sky King" Russell - if only you knew how many hearts you touched in the end. Truly a majestic exit from this twisted world, bravo you legend

[@TheCHRONICGAMERLive]

He did sound like he was living a dream before he killed himself. He was enjoying the hell out of it. I understand where his head was at. Mental health in the US is awful and finding adequate help is much harder than one thinks. This shouldn't have happened.

[@willemgijs3803]

Mental health is awful everywhere around the world my dude. Especially since covid. The government cares more about saving some 80+ year old people over people going into severe depression over those restrictions. And I fear they are gonna do it again this winter.

[@willemgijs3803]

But by severe depression I mean a lot of suicides and upcoming suicides the coming years because of isolation from friends/family and restrictions from activities

[@Mikalent]

Fuck, I went from deployed Active Duty Military to barely employed civilian due to extreme anxiety and depression. I've gone through 3 jobs in a bit over a year, each one ruined by excessive anxiety over various deadlines, job quality, ect, ending up now a nervous wreck constantly on edge for the possibility of being fired or messing up. I reached the point 2 weeks ago I had the gun in hand, and I ended up calling MilitaryOneSource out of the thoughts of my sister and 2 recently passed friends. I went to the VA for a mental evaluation out of their recommendation, I got told I was faking depression and anxiety, even after I gave them all the receipts. 7 years of seeing the worst of humanity, gas attack victims, shrapnel victims, the worst one I remember was a 6-7 year old girl, back when Syria was gassing their civilians back in 17-18, she hid in a room that took an explosive, and mangled her entire right half. The most horrific thing wasn't when she was rolled in, it wasn't when we where trying to fix shredded and destroyed parts of her body, nor when she finally passed on, it was having to tell the mother the death of her daughter. You will never forget the wail of a mother who just lost her daughter, it haunts you for the rest of your days.

[@sarah_loves_mittens]

@@Mikalent thats heavy bro... Why we treat our elderly and our veterans like crap is beyond me and it's not okay and hopefully one day soon it'll change and we'll treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve and are entitled to. Thank you for your service 🙏🙏🙏

[@sarah_loves_mittens]

@@Mikalent what is military one source?(honest question)

[@davekerryvane3015]

As a fellow PC flight sim veteran, there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that Beebo could have landed that plane like a pro if he’d ever wanted to. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind he’d done it countless times while gaming over the years. It’s one of the first things you learn to do after taking off and backflips and barrel rolls That’s what makes it even harder to listen to, knowing that he could’ve walked away from that day, even though he also couldn’t, in a way The world was a better place with Beebo in it. Thank you to all the flight, ground, and tower crews for being gentle with him on the radio in his moment of tragic glory, and also to the emergency crews and civilians who responded thereafter RIP Sky King, may you rest in peaceful flight on that final departure we’re all gonna board one way or another o7

[@hoangdang7025]

That barrel roll/backflip was INSANE. Godspeed Sky King!

[@ryancoonpath]

It's 2023 and he will not be forgotten. Fly High Sky King

[@weezel415ify]

2024 and still going!

[@TheRealestBubby]

As someone who plays video games, he sounds like just a random guy, except he's the chill, funny guy you squad up with afterward, down to earth, intelligent, and caught in the same societal pitfalls you find yourself in, I think this man is a testament to all of us 9-5 employees, there are incredible things in this world, beautiful sights, thoughts and feelings we often feel we'll never be able to experience while we bust our ass to make rent and pay all the other bills. Sky King saw beyond economy, beyond consequence, and when he was towing the completely vacant, but running airplane, he made that choice. I feel like in that moment he just really wanted to LIVE, even if it killed him.

[@koekepeertje5024]

This guy was more free then a lot of us ever will be.

[@strongarm6973]

I cannot believe he pulled off the loop that close to the water!!! No matter what he was thinking, that took HUGE BALLS!!! MY PROPERS Beebo!!!

[@__Devils_Advocate__]

His last words are so awfully sad and heartbreaking. You can hear the pain in his voice. But you can also tell he was a sweet soul. R.I.P Sky King

[@lindsayhalk187]

Omg when he said "I just want you to whisper sweet nothings into my ear" that broke me 😢

[@alexharvin6095]

Man. I don’t know what it is but Richard gave me the will to live in a really dark time. This is a tragic story but I’m grateful that he walked on this earth even for a short time. I hope his family knows that he’s made a positive impact on a lot of young men. RIP Sky King

[@SweetoDoggo]

So this is what it sounds like to be at peace, to be finally free from every burden you might have. I hope that he's in a better place now, where he can sound like that and feel the same way he felt in that moment without the need to end it all.

[@SirTarnacle]

the polarity of how sad this is but at the same time theres almost some beauty and freedom in his final moments. RIP legend.

[@SpadesNeil]

I'm just gonna keep coming back here every year.

[@beefsticklover6968]

The calmness in his voice knowing this was how he knew he was going to go make this so much sadder. RIP Richard

[@midnightmosesuk]

He's still out there, in the clouds. Never forget the Skyking.

[@ryanmchugh7840]

Rich Russell flew higher than we all dared to dream. What a way to go. Fly high Sky King 💙

[@yoabagaile]

4:35 His response hit right to the heart. 💔 RIP SkyKing

[@thomasche]

You can see how absurd and fragile life is...

[@cxryptonic]

This hits hard. He seemed like such a chill guy to be around. Rest in peace brother. ❤

[@icouldntthinkofaname3055]

I don’t find this video sad. This is a broken man, who sounds so incredibly happy, and who went out on his own terms. Every time I hear this guy his voice just makes me smile. Rest In Peace sky king.

[@3frogman]

It's not sad, it's inspiring

[@hermitguy102]

It’s sad that life breaks us all to this point. Inspiring that sky king actually did what we all think or dream about.

[@Rabbi-Jill-kews]

Well I find it sad because I am definitely beyond repair after getting clean, and fuck lol is that my only option

[@imhollywood101]

We are all broken Sky King. But few of us will ever live as much as you did that day.

[@suffering69420]

My man ended his life in a coolest way. Huge respect and also rest in peace

[@CameronRoberts-mi2qt]

Man.. he struggled through so much.. yet you can hear so much life in his voice through these recordings… many screws loose.. but such a clear mind in the end. He wasn’t alone in his last moments, he had the air traffic controller in his ear.. but I can feel the loneliness in the cockpit just by listening to this.

[@ashwainthobourne4874]

Felt my lowest and this gave me just enough to continue. I don't hate the world I hate we don't try to be better.

[@LennonPBone]

Wow - lots of feelings watching this. Never heard this story before... thanks for being good at what you do, my friend.

[@OliverJHughes]

So many feelings. Thanks for watching friend. 🙏🏻

[@defyyourlogic487]

This could literally make one of the top 10 greatest movies ever made if done right

[@MinkSignal]

I totally agree, but for the sake of his family id probably leave it as the legend he became.

[@DuDooFIchDumm]

This just became my favorite video of the internet. He showed the world how to do it the right way. It keeps me from doing it the wrong way

[@hawkeyefishguy]

I’d love to sit down and have a beer with his dude. Sad story.

[@burpengaryjosh5614]

We ain't disappointed, Sky King. Fly high brother.❤️🦅

[@HistoryNerd8765]

Just a broken guy with a couple screws loose... I understand you, Beebo.

[@SuperSkip777]

Rest In Peace Richard. I remember watching this, and I still cry. I hope you found peace buddy. You helped so many more people than you ever thought.

[@MatAuDHD]

This dude is a hero to those of us who deal with suicidal ideation regularly.

[@jesss9018]

This guy has got to be one of the most big hearted people I’ve ever heard. He was more worried about putting others in harms way. And, even though he was never really planning on landing the airplane he made sure he put an INCREDIBLE show on for those watching and inevitably the millions of us who have the privilege of being able to watch this absolute golden video with included audio. This guy REALLY did earn the name _Sky King._ Rest in paradise, _King_ 💙 may the _Sky_ be FOREVER yours!!!

[@Raven1784]

A hero to those who understand.

[@girlnextdoor0703]

Fly high Sky King, you lived.

[@redram34]

“I don’t wanna hurt no one, I just want you to whisper sweet nothings into my ear” I feel you bro. Long live Sky King, may you rest in peace.

[@gabudaichamuda2545]

I needed to see this. There's a saying: Who dares, wins. This man dared, and honestly, I think he took a victory.

[@gasketsnotyetblown9467]

He definitely won.

[@ziancarvenreynoso9191]

What make this beautiful is that nobody ask why he did it, it's because people doesn't need to since we all have been there in some moment of our time that makes us resonate with Sky King

[@MarvinHartmann452]

You had the balls to do what we dream doing but are afraid to do. Flight high, Sky King.

[@stonekeys647]

Five years bro....hope you are still pulling rolls with your real wings. ❤ Never forgotten

[@bloodyhands]

This man was not broken our world is

[@glipk]

Man this was amazing. Can't believe this video isn't more popular

[@Pacemakermusic_]

“I’ve played video games before.. I know what I’m doing” Rest High Sky King

[@insaneserb7786]

Happy birthday, Skyking!

[@niko2695]

Beebo... the guy who actually made it ... The " Broke guy who has a few screws loose"... the one who end it all with a smile and ascended as our "SKYKING", and made us keep going just so we can just remember him.

[@hstork6312]

This genuinely almost brings me to tears every time I watch it

[@RagingHeavens]

Got me gulping my tears a second after I heard him talking. You can hear no malice, no anger. Just broken goodness. RIP

[@TimboZ79]

You lived your life and did what you wanted nobody can take that from you buddy. I would have loved a ticket for that ride.

[@kalletheowner]

I remember hearing this story a couple years ago and it really made an impact on me. I will never forget. Rest in peace Richard Sky king Russell, you will be missed and remembered.

[@SpadesNeil]

In a world of madness when so many people want to go out with a bang and take others with them out of spite, Sky King just wanted to do some barrel rolls. Whenever there's tragedy like this, we often wish we could have met the person, wish that we could have said something, perhaps stopped them, but the thing that's different with this one is that he said it himself that he knows a lot of people loved him and a lot of people were going to be saddened by his loss. Those are the words of a broken man who has come to accept how broken he really is. I don't think there was ever saving a man who was that far gone. I just wish I could have at least given the poor guy a hug. I know there's no telling him everything is going to be alright. Just to wish him the best on one final flight.

[@OliverJHughes]

Beautifully written, and this is the biggest of the myriad reasons why I was so drawn to his story. Because in a world, or culture, that tends to see many young angry men at the end of their rope, as it were, commit heinous violence, Bebo was different. Like you mentioned, also beyond repair, at the end of his own rope, (which I believe tragically is never true - I believe even the most broken can heal), his true colors came out. His soul was kind, open, and playful. He didn't want to harm a soul - and facing his own self harm, he had a blast. And oh the irony that his kindness, openness and playfulness was tragically overridden by his despair. So happy, so sad. One helluva captivating story.