By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY – Senior Writer
On Saturday, May 6th, the Rim Communities for Youth Coalition and Crestline Youth Coalition will join together in honoring the memory of then 16-year-old Crestline skateboarder Daunte Symonette, who succumbed to the temptation of the deadly drug fentanyl and passed away on May 7, 2021.
An impromptu banner dedicated to the memory of Daunte Symonette.
The May 6th alcohol and drug-free Game of Skate will take place from 12-noon to 3 p.m. at the Crestline Skate Park located on Lake Gregory Drive, between Goodwin and Son’s Market and the Crestline Library. The winner of this competition will take home skateboard-related products and other donated prizes.
Hot dogs are always a popular snack the Game of Skate.
Over the years, this event has typically featured free hot dogs, potato chips, soft drinks, and bottled water for all of those in attendance. Admission is free to this amazing event where you can watch dozens of local skateboarders perform their spectacular feats of daring as they glide up and down ramps with the greatest of ease, sometimes flying through the air and landing safely on the pavement.
Dante Symonette at home during happier days. (Contributed Photo)
According to a Rim Communities for Youth Coalition press release, this year they will be honoring the second anniversary of Daunte Symonette’s untimely death due to fentanyl poisoning. They are currently seeking donations for prizes and food for the event. “If you or your company are interested in supporting this amazing event for youth in our community, please let us know. We appreciate your time and consideration.” All donations are eligible for a tax write-off letter upon request: [email protected]. For more information or to donate, contact Harrison at Rim Family Services at (909) 255-0586.
I used to live next door to Daunte and he was a fun loving goofy kid. He helped us with yard work right after we had a baby and always had a smile and a wave.
With fentanyl it only takes once…most ODs are like Daunte, kids trying something out that they don’t have experience with. Everyone thinks it can’t happen to *their* kid but it can happen to any kid. My heart goes out to his family.
I brought ten pizzas up from costco last year and will again today. I miss daute so f-ing much. my son and him we’re in scouts together and we love him. we love regina, denisha, christina and joseph and will be there probably shortly after noon. just me, my son is working today and cannot attend. that work?