Dave Ashby memorial completed in Dewey Beach
After her son Dave Ashby died at age 28 of sudden cardiac arrest in 2019, Laura Ashby sought a way to honor him while also educating the public about the heart condition.
She spearheaded the inaugural Dave’s Dewey Dash in October 2021, which netted almost $18,000 after expenses, to fund a memorial across from Dave’s former home on the bayside of Bellevue Street.
In July, town commissioners approved Laura’s proposal for the memorial, which comprises a paved sitting area with a park bench, information about cardiac arrhythmia and a memorial plaque.
On Sept. 16, Laura appeared again before council to seek approval for an amended design. The contractor recommended installing a sidewalk from the road edge to the patio for wheelchair and stroller access, she said.
The sidewalk and memorial sitting area have the look of a tree, Laura said, and the benches also display tree designs. After her son’s death, Laura said they found a detailed tree of life drawing he created that mentioned all of the things he loved, so a tree motif seemed appropriate. Commissioners unanimously approved the change, and work commenced Sept. 20.
On Sept. 23, Laura visited the finished project, which was completed just in time for the second annual Dave’s Dewey Dash.
The park-like setting holds two cast-iron benches and an educational plaque with a QR code that links to the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation with information on how SCA differs from heart attacks, and how to help someone in distress.
Proceeds from this year’s race will go toward purchasing AEDs for Dewey Beach Patrol and local businesses, Laura said.
Dave’s Dewey Dash is set for Saturday, Oct. 1 at the Rusty Rudder. To register, go to https://bit.ly/3DQgEgh.
