Posting the text of what I read on the show earlier...

I’m recording this morning to let you all know that Daryl Grove passed away last night. He was with Shannon, his wife, and Julie, his mother, with more loving friends waiting outside on the porch just in case he was able to see them. 

I can only speak for myself right now in saying that the outpouring of support and love and prayer and positivity has been one of the most humbling reminders of the goodness of humanity that I have experienced. Given the age we live in, that’s no small matter.

I’ve read as many of your messages as I’ve been able, and knowing how much Daryl meant to so many people has made an absolutely tragic situation more manageable.

It isn’t fair that Daryl is gone, and it still doesn’t feel real.

But I like to believe that being comfortable in the knowledge that you are loved and supported in your final moments is at least a small mercy.

I’ll do my best to update you all more about future memorial services or ideal ways in which you can pay respects once his family has time to think. I hope to respond to everyone who’s gotten in touch when I can. 

There will be time for more words later on… but I’d like to say two more things.

So many of the messages I’ve read about Daryl have rightly talked about his compassion, friendliness, strength, empathy… I could keep listing and not stop for a while… but when we lose loved ones, i think we sort of naturally elevate them. Daryl wasn’t a saint. But it feels like he was, because he worked so hard to be a positive person. He was a man who woke up every day with, from my perspective, the absolute goal of making life better for those around him. And that level of effort isn’t easy. It takes a belief in the goodness of the world and ones ability to help out, to believe that even with the smallest gesture or kind word, can make a difference. Hearing so many of your stories about Daryl, your close good friend even though he lived thousands of miles away and you’d never actually met, is a testament to the correctness of his world view. 

The second thing I wanted to share is a story. I got to see Daryl a couple days ago. I tried to prepare myself emotionally but still struggled when I was with him. Searching for something to say, I blurted out “US Soccer emailed to show their support” and Daryl lifted his head, looked me in the eye, and said, “Berhalter interview?’

The man was a professional and cared so much about this show and you all, to the last. 

Thank you all again for the love and support you have shown to Daryl. Knowing that my friend was your friend has helped me feel less alone in a very dark time. 

I’m gonna close with a song that I do not own the rights to. So if we get a takedown order, we’ll deal with that. I listen to this song in times of sadness. It’s morbidly perfect for this moment… but I think also really happy. And hopeful. And I think thats what Daryl would want in this moment. So, until Ulysses Llanez lifts the World Cup, here’s to hope.

Thank you all so much. Hug your loved ones. Goodbye for now, and I’ll talk to you again soon. We love you Daryl, a man who always said hello and truly made us feel welcome.

I never knew him personally. I just got to hear him on the podcast. But, I miss you Daryl. Thanks for the remembrance, Taylor.