Writer's death in fall from building came on 27th birthday
By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published January 16, 2009 at 10:47 a.m.
Updated January 16, 2009 at 1:59 p.m.
The man who died Wednesday in a jump or fall from an eight-story apartment building was a talented writer and artist who'd run into bad luck and depression, say the grandparents who raised him.
Michael Gorniak turned 27 on the day Denver police found him in a garden next to the sidewalk in front of the Capitol Heights apartment building, 1350 Grant St.
An eyewitness told police he caught a glimpse of someone falling from an upper story.
Gorniak was pronounced dead a short time later at Denver Health Medical Center.
Bob Hubler and his wife Barbara would like to think their grandson fell, but Hubler says Michael "had been kind of despondent."
They raised Michael from the time he was an infant, and are feeling devastated by the loss.
Still, they're taking solace from some of the comments from friends of Michael, attached to a rockymountainnews.com article on the death.
"He was a dreamer, a fabulous writer and my dear friend," wrote one. "He truly wanted to make the world a better place and he succeeded."
Another friend wrote, "Michael, we love you and miss you. I wish one of us could have done something. RIP. The world has lost a great and brilliant talent."
And a neighbor at the Capitol Heights apartment wrote, "My heart goes out to his girlfriend, parents, brother and grandparents who all loved him dearly. I'll miss playing apples to apples and those late night discussions about life. We all miss you."
"We had no idea he had that kind of impact on so many people," Hubler said. "Twenty-seven years is just not enough time."
Gorniak was a special-needs student who "always had an uphill battle," Hubler said.
Gorniak graduated from Douglas County High School, where he played varsity basketball.
Despite education being tough for him, he battled, and graduated in communications from University of Colorado at Denver, Hubler said.
"He lived at home most of the time," Hubler said. "His real interest was writing.
"He was a really good kid, sensitive and caring. He worked part-time or full-time ever since he was a sophomore in high school."
He started the chess club at CU-Denver and served on the ethics committee and the student advisory council there, Hubler said.
Later, he worked at Asian Avenue magazine in Denver, first as a writer, then as an editor.
"He always strove to be successful ... and that was one of the problems," Hubler said.
Recently, Gorniak left Asian Avenue magazine to try to start a non-profit organization that would work to make health care available to everyone, especially artists, musicians and writers, Hubler said.
"He put a lot of time into it and a lot of money, too," Hubler said.
"But because of the economy, it just sort of tanked out. He couldn't get it started and he was very frustrated."
Michael tried to find other work to pay the bills, "but he just couldn't find any employment."
"He suddenly lost all his confidence and became very depressed," Hubler said said.
Hubler said he and his wife, Barbara, brought Michael to a local hospital, where doctors determined he wasn't a danger to himself.
"He got some therapy, but no medication.
"That's a huge issue for my wife and I. We think he should have been on an antidepressant."
The low point may have come after he signed up for a school that was to teach him how to be a blackjack dealer, Hubler said.
Gorniak realized after the first class that his learning disability and a tendency for his hands to shake meant that blackjack dealing wasn't going to work.
"They said, 'We don't care you owe us $160,'" Hubler said. "'We'll put a collection agency on you.'"
Gorniak called his grandparents on Tuesday night.
"He was beside himself, saying he was such a failure," Hubler said. But by conversation's end, the grandparents thought they'd bucked him up and "he seemed reasonably OK."
Before they hung up, they reminded him they had cards, presents and a big birthday celebration planned for him.
They couldn't get hold of him on Wednesday morning.
They still think, and hope, that Michael may have gotten dizzy and fell, perhaps from a prescription drug he was taking.
"It was his birthday," Hubler said. "We can't image he would pick that day to end his life.
"He was depressed, but he had so many people who just loved him."
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January 16, 2009
10:53 a.m.
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leavemealone writes:
Depression is a horrible thing.
RIP
January 16, 2009
11:18 a.m.
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Knude writes:
That was an awesome well written article.
January 16, 2009
11:43 a.m.
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sweetater writes:
May you RIP young man . May your grandparents and friends feel your smile and hugs in the warmth of the sun, hear the roar of your laughter in every thunderstorm. You are in my thoughts and prayers
January 16, 2009
11:52 a.m.
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mountain2884 writes:
That was a good article. Kudos. It made me cry a little. I can empathize with this young man. Depression makes you capable of anything. Obviously the doctors were wrong. Not necessarily their fault, but he obviously was a danger to himself. Shame on them.
January 16, 2009
12:02 p.m.
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IRUNMAN writes:
So very sad.
Depression is a horrible illness.
RIP
January 16, 2009
12:19 p.m.
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fifty writes:
Having spent a short time training in the field of psychology, I have never met so many incompetent "professionals" in my life. It is not much of a science since not much is based on reality and not much is proven. It is sort of like a religion of the mind open to the "professionals'" beliefs. Clients often have to try different medications to see what works because there are no tests to determine which medication is the correct one. This is a relatively new field and it is a mess. And the consequences can be devastating as we see here.
This is an excellent article that shows the public exactly what goes on in this field. The grandparents are intelligent, rational people who did the right thing. They thought he should have been on antidepressants and they are correct.
Obviously in retrospect, he should not have been released from the hospital and it is too bad the grandparents had no right to take control of the situation. He needed to be supervised in order to ascertain that he was taking his depression medication.
Another sign of depression is when a person can't function in an appropriate job, such as the one this fellow had at the magazine. It appears that he may have been trying to overcome some feelings of depression by doing something that had more meaning to him. But, it appears that reality wasn't taken into consideration; there just seemed to be this desperate attempt to regain emotional balance by seeking success in two inappropriate fields. When people do this, reality hits them on the head and drives them into the ground as success is impossible to achieve. In this way it is like taking some illegal drugs to overcome a mood problem although reality is that illegal drugs will do more bad than good as in a short while the person will find themselves addicted without money to pay for the addiction.
January 16, 2009
12:33 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
If this guy had been a Customer Service Rep or McDonalds worker would the RMN posted the headline "Customer Service Rep death in fall from building came on 27th birthday" or "McDonalds worker death in fall from building came on 27th birthday"?
January 16, 2009
12:40 p.m.
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ltrain writes:
Mike, you were one of the most in-color, genuine and unique people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. You had huge ambitions, and love in your heart. I am very saddened to have heard you are no longer part of the world that you wanted nothing more than to change for the better. I hope you are at peace.
January 16, 2009
12:41 p.m.
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mountain2884 writes:
good point squatch. didn't dawn on me.
January 16, 2009
12:43 p.m.
ltrain writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
January 16, 2009
1:05 p.m.
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calvinbrodus writes:
Squatch,
After that very sad article, detailing the possible suicide (certain death) of a young man and the pain his grandparents feel in the wake of it, you take issue with the title describing him as a writer? Heartless.
January 16, 2009
1:10 p.m.
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stierney writes:
Michael also got his Master's degree in Humanities, with a focus on writing, from the University of Colorado at Denver. He was a brilliant and a hardworking student; among his many dreams, he wanted to film his screenplay/master's thesis called "Casual Consent." We will miss him dearly; I will never forget my last encounter with him at Obama's speech at Civic Center Park. I wish I could say I'd seen him more recently; he had such an amazing, large and diverse set of friends, but I know if I could see him today, we'd pick up right where we left off. I'm sorry he's not here to witness the inaugeration; he was a tireless Democrat and humanitarian. The world will not be the same without him.
January 16, 2009
1:35 p.m.
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overit writes:
So sad...depression is such a battle. I read Michael's MySpace page...he seemed so full of life and interesting. I am sad for the loss his loved one will suffer.
January 16, 2009
1:35 p.m.
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NeilT writes:
Not a good point. You just had to find a nit to pick, didn't you, Squatch?
Those that dream and achieve those dreams should be held in higher regard. This kid broke through some serious barriers and became a writer. Others dedicate their life to serving others. That's why we'll see headlines stating "Fireman" or "Police Officer" or "Teacher" killed, even if the tragedy didn't occur while they were on the clock.
I don't know anybody that aspires to be a McDonald's worker. But, then again, we're yet to meet in person, Squatch.
January 16, 2009
1:38 p.m.
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NeilT writes:
Quite simply, Squatch (so you'll better understand).
This kid earned the right to be called a writer.
January 16, 2009
1:45 p.m.
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BenchBoss writes:
And, Squatch, maybe it could read, "Annoying RMN blogger death in fall from building came on 27th birthday".
Show some respect.
January 16, 2009
1:55 p.m.
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IRUNMAN writes:
What a crazy comment Squatch.
Show SOME respect.
January 16, 2009
2:10 p.m.
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EdSanchez1103 writes:
I love you Mike. You will be missed.
January 16, 2009
2:14 p.m.
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michaelsmommy writes:
This is in memory of my son, Michael Stewart Gorniak. I cannot express the pain I feel for the loss of my son. He was such a blessing. His smile and laughter was the sunshine in our hearts and lives. His loss is very tragic to all those who knew him, and the ones who didn't. I thank everyone for their heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
His love for the many people who felt lost or forgotten. He didn't forget. He was a very compassionate humanitarian. He saw society as it should be, not how it was. If someone asked him for his shirt, he would give you a place to live. He was not one to walk by another soul and pretend as if they were not there, like they didn't matter. Everyone mattered to Michael.
I think his broken-heartedness came from the fact that he could not save the world. He knew and understood how it could and should be, but felt helpless to make a change that would impact EVERYONE!
His love for his girlfriend was something that we all could ever want in a relationship. My heart goes out to her as well. She loved my son and spent much time with him. Lots of hugs and kisses, smiles and laughs. This is truly unreal for her.
Michael's father is deeply devastated by the loss of his son. Memories of his childhood and bringing him home from the hospital on the day of his birth. His smiles, laughs, his silliness and caring ways. We are blessed to have what time we did with him...though it was not enough!
Michael was also a great brother. He was looked up to by his younger brother, most of his life. My mind thinks back to an outing we had to Casabonita. Seeing the inner child in my oldest son, just playing video games with his brother. Watching Southpark, The Simpsons, Beavus and Butthead and any other silly animated comedy you could think of.
Michael was one of the greatest, most talented, beautiful and audacious people I could have ever met, and I had the blessing of being his mother.
January 16, 2009
2:14 p.m.
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blueeyedgrl writes:
In his short 27 years, I'll bet that this young and talented man accomplished more than you will in your entire life, Squatch.
January 16, 2009
2:27 p.m.
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ProudandRespectful writes:
So sad. If you look at his facebook page, the photo he put of himself is him laying fully-clothed on the pavement at an apartment pool-area. I don't know if it was foreshadowing or planned, but it is a sad, sad image to see of someone who had such great potential. It's a shame that his life is over, but his loss should inspire all of us to double check on those we know might be struggling in life. It is the easieat way to honor a lost life- by making sure we do all we can to help those who are frustrated, in pain, depressed or lonely. RIP Michael. I hope that you are in paradise.
January 16, 2009
2:32 p.m.
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mytwosense writes:
My deepest sympathy to this young man's grandparents. They sound like truly loving people who were devoted to their grandson. I'm sure he loved them with all his heart in return, but depression can become so intense, it can make people not see straight. Add financial problems to the mix and the depression becomes even more intensified.
January 16, 2009
2:46 p.m.
02Charles02 writes:
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
January 16, 2009
2:52 p.m.
Suggest removal
EdSanchez1103 writes:
We all forget such simple things and yet you brought them back to me
NOW
My sentence left dangling
My thoughts sit incomplete
Waiting for this writers block
to become a place where we still meet
Like words you escaped me
and now im destined for those days
spent contemplating how to finish up this phase
A witty rhyme, an anecdote
a passé phrase, a better quote
A word that only you could speak
I leave this line,
…can you complete?
January 16, 2009
2:56 p.m.
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maebot writes:
Mike loved his Grandparents and girlfriend more than anything. He would hate to cause anyone any pain, least of all them. He was full of life and one of the best people you could ever meet. He put many personal aspirations and dreams on hold for the one of helping other artists and the world through his non-profit. Sadly, some people took advantage of his big and trusting heart and conned him out of his money. I heard Contango Magazine will be dedicating an issue to his life, dreams, and work.
January 16, 2009
3 p.m.
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JB writes:
Jesus. This is so sad. Depression is a hard battle that seems like it will never end, and often it never does. It sounds though like Michael and family fought the battle valiantly and still lost.
Rest well and I hope your family can find peace and happiness in their memories.
January 16, 2009
3:01 p.m.
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HankReardon writes:
So young. So tragic.
January 16, 2009
3:36 p.m.
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cheech24 writes:
This is a very sad story, and a terrible loss. My sympathies to his loving family.
January 16, 2009
3:41 p.m.
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zerotolerance writes:
This is a horrible story. Out of respect for his family I will not litter this forum with negative comments to Squatch. But it is well warranted. RIP Michael, sometimes things get hard and we handle them how we see fit. I hope it was not suicide, but if it was God will forgive him for his actions. My heart goes out to his family.
January 16, 2009
3:57 p.m.
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sweetater writes:
Michaels Mommy,His girlfriend, and Grandparents,
Please remember: Write your sorrows in sand and your joy in stone. Along with my above posting
January 16, 2009
4:14 p.m.
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stierney writes:
Maebot; do you know the website for Contango? Several of us who went to school and worked with Michael can't find it, and we'd be interested in contributing some stories about him, as well as works of his writing that may no one else may have. Can you possibly post a link or tell us where we can find copies?
January 16, 2009
4:15 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
I was just pointing out that him being a writer had nothing to do with his death and wasnt at all trying to be rude. Once again the RMN could have said "man suffering from depression fell to his death" but they try to be wity.
January 16, 2009
4:19 p.m.
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Squatch writes:
I apologize to all who I have offended but that wasn’t my intention.
January 16, 2009
4:38 p.m.
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LS writes:
Squatch. Most of us realize ya meant no harm. :)
Good story, very good food for thought there. Condolences to the man's family.
January 16, 2009
4:48 p.m.
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mountain2884 writes:
I apologize as well . As stated earlier, i cried while reading this. Journalistic accountability is the issue. I like RMN but we have a point. To vilanize squatch for pointing out a journalistic inaccuracy detracts from the real point. We all are sad this kid died, but come on people. Write me squatch. We'lL TALK REALITY.
January 16, 2009
4:49 p.m.
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Garip writes:
Mr. Ed Sanchez: Excellent.
January 16, 2009
4:53 p.m.
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Reality__Check writes:
Another abject failure of George Bu$h's "health care reform".
Heck of a job, Bushie!!
January 16, 2009
4:55 p.m.
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mountain2884 writes:
After reading from his mother, can we really argue anymore? the man died from an accidental fall. Can we leave it this. At least for the family. Let's celebrate his life with great blogs, not semantic b.s.
January 16, 2009
5:02 p.m.
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mountain2884 writes:
sweetater, you sound like a nice person. thanks for always taking the high ground. you must be a better person than me.
January 16, 2009
6:54 p.m.
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maebot writes:
Stierney
There is no website for Contango magazine at this time, but the editor's name is Derek Brou; he can be emailed at Contango Magazine [contangomag@yahoo.com] It is a publication for the Denver art community about the Denver art community. It usually can be found in places that artists hang out (try the Mercury cafe or any other coffee cafe around town) or you can get a subscription.