The karaoke community in Buckeye Lake and its surrounding areas is mourning the loss of Ben Hawk, a beloved member whose life was tragically cut short. In the wake of this tragedy, friends, family, and fellow karaoke enthusiasts have rallied together to honor his memory through music and community support.
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A Song of Remembrance
In the days following Hawk’s death, karaoke nights at Louie’s Corner House and other local venues have taken on a special significance. Singers have been lining up to perform “One More Light” by Linkin Park, a song that held a special place in Hawk’s heart and served as a powerful tribute to his life.
Katie Grubaugh, whom Hawk affectionately called “Momma,” sang the song at Louie’s Corner House on July 18th, surrounded by friends and loved ones. “I didn’t want that song to end on a tragedy,” Grubaugh stated. “I wanted to sing and it be sung with people who loved [Ben], with light shining, and to know that wherever he is, he’s looking down on us, and we love him.”
A Tragic Loss
Hawk passed away on July 11th while singing karaoke at Louie’s Corner House. The circumstances surrounding his death have been described by his family as a “senseless murder.” The bar expressed its condolences and offered support to those who witnessed the event, calling it an “absolute tragedy and nightmare.”
The Glue of the Karaoke Family
Friends and family gathered at a memorial vigil in Mount Vernon, where Hawk resided, to remember him. They reconvened at Louie’s, which donated 10% of the night’s sales to Hawk’s family, united by their shared love for Hawk and karaoke.
“You know how with those families where there’s that one person whose the glue that holds you all together? That’s who [Ben] was,” said Donnie Iden, a close friend of Hawk’s. “He was the glue for the karaoke family.”
Karaoke: A Passion and a Connection
For Hawk, karaoke was more than just a hobby; it was a way to connect with others and share his emotions. Although he had experience singing in church choir and at family events, karaoke provided a unique platform for him to express himself and build meaningful relationships.
Kelly Courtney, a friend who frequented karaoke nights with Hawk, recalled their instant connection, attributing it to Hawk’s “larger-than-life” personality and his ability to give the “best hugs.” Many knew Hawk by the nickname “Donkey,” which originated from a gaming username.
Robert Humble, a local DJ who hosts karaoke nights, emphasized Hawk’s impact on the community. “He was just a person who was there to enjoy himself, do something he loved,” Humble said. “He wanted to see everybody else around him have fun and do the same.”
Hawk’s talent as a singer also drew people in. Humble noted that when Hawk sang, people listened because he was a phenomenal vocalist. Grubaugh echoed this sentiment, describing Hawk as having “the voice of an angel.”
A Sense of Community
Hawk’s friends remember his infectious energy and his ability to bring people together. He had a knack for striking up conversations with anyone and everyone, sharing jokes and memes that created a lighthearted and welcoming atmosphere.
Courtney described the unique sense of community fostered by karaoke. “The cool thing about it, more than any other hobby, is that it really develops a sense of family,” Courtney said. “You have people on the left and on the right in the karaoke family, and politics don’t matter. It’s all about the music, and it’s all about putting on a good show or trying out that new song that you’re worried about. It’s a safe space for people, so they get real close and part of each other’s lives.”
This close-knit community was deeply affected by Hawk’s passing. Many had grown close to him, particularly in the past year, as he became a more frequent presence at karaoke nights throughout the area.
A Gentle Giant
Hawk’s friends often described him as a “gentle giant,” a fun-loving and uplifting individual who sought to connect with others. Iden remarked that, to Hawk, strangers were simply friends he hadn’t met yet.
In honor of Hawk’s memory, friends and fellow singers at Louie’s sang songs that he frequently performed, including Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” among others.
Healing Through Music
The karaoke community is leaning on each other and the power of music to heal. Singing Hawk’s favorite songs has provided a sense of unity and catharsis for those grieving his loss.
“When we sing a song, the music conveys emotions,” Grubaugh said. “When all else fails, music doesn’t.”
Moving Forward
Hawk’s friends are planning further events to honor his memory and advocate for justice. A grand jury is considering additional charges against the suspect in his death. Donations have been pouring in to support Hawk’s family, with nearly $6,500 raised through online fundraising efforts.
Larry Trimmer of Lynette’s Country BBQ also contributed a portion of his sales from the July 18th karaoke night to Hawk’s family. “I love the music scene and anytime the music scene is hurt, I want to see it — establishments where everybody comes to hang out — recover and give back to them,” Trimmer said. “[Ben’s] life was taken in a senseless act. He does have family left behind, and it’s really, really sad.”
Grubaugh intends to continue singing, both as a means of healing and as a tribute to the light that Hawk brought into her life and the lives of so many others.
Humble expressed the community’s determination to keep Hawk’s memory alive. “We’re going to keep going in his honor, because I know that’s what he would want and what he would do for us,” Humble said. “Yes, we’re all mourning him dearly and the tragedy we went through, but we will keep going for him.”