The title sums it up. A close friend of mine died earlier this week. He was only 27.
He was a great guy - one of the finest people I have been lucky enough to know. I’m sure that probably sounds cliche, and sounds like something everyone says about people after they die, but it’s the truth. He was endlessly happy, and extremely inquisitive and intelligent. He was equally at home discussing philosophy or politics as he was shooting the shit over a beer or laughing over Trigger Happy TV. He was a bold guy - he traveled around the globe, and lived abroad for a number of years. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He drank deeply from life, and inspired others around him to do the same. He would have fit right in here I’m sure.
I guess I’ve been lucky in that the other people I have known who have died were never that close to me. This one hurts. He was a friend I expected to have for life, a fellow traveler. It’s a damn shame too; of all the people to go, it had to be him.
The world just got a little darker. We lost a good one. 
Thanks for sharing this with us and I’m so sorry for your loss. It sounds like he really was a great person.
I’m sorry for your loss. I’ll keep all his friends and family in my prayers.
Damn, 27? If you don’t mind, what was the cause of death? Sorry to hear it.
Although it is sad, it sounds like he lived a pretty full life. My prayers to his family and yourself.
It happened overseas, so information is kind of sketchy at the moment, but it sounds like heart failure, caused by a heart defect. Nothing I knew about if it was something he dealt with.
Just never expected it, you know?
I’m sorry. It’s tough to lose friends that young. My thoughts are with you.
That is so tough, and I am so very sorry.
I hope that you and his grieving family and friends will find comfort with good memories of this fine young man.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
May your friend’s legacy live on through those who loved him.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending supporting thoughts your way.
Ugh, I know that hurts. Unexpected death like that is just so brutal. I’m sorry to hear of your friend’s death.