I met Maddy during the summer of 2017 when we were working on the same team at SpaceX. I can be a little high-strung in high pressure environments, and Maddy was the antidote to my anxiety. I used to write my to-do lists on sticky notes and attach them to my computer. Frequently I would return from coffee breaks to find that Maddy had placed imposter stickies with jokes or nice notes on them amongst my lists. It always got me to smile and relax, no matter how hard the day had been.
He was an incredible combination of intelligence and humility. He never hesitated to help with someone else’s work or give advice or humor when needed. He lit up every room he was in and I am so thankful to have had him in my life for a while.
To his family, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Everyone who knew Maddy, however briefly, knew what an incredible person he was, and the world will miss his presence sorely.
Dear Katelyn,
Thank you so much for your words. I loved this post from the moment I read it in June. I've since read it to some of my friends to help explain the kinda of person Maddy was to people who didn't know him. I think this is both a wonderful example of that and a lovely new memory that I now have and cherish. Thank you again.
As you probably know, on Oct 12th (although technically this still could be pushed back), SpaceX is launching the rocket which has Maddy's engraved dedication inside. My family and I, some extended family, and many of Maddy's friends (and colleagues) are all going to watch it launch at Lompoc on October 12th. (That date could be pushed back slightly, but hopefully not!) We will be in Lompoc for five days, and will be inviting people over probably the evening before and the day of the launch for story-telling, etc. I wanted to invite you and let you know you're very welcome, if you have the time, means, etc.
Either way, thank you again for your words. If there are any specific memories, big or small, or photos that you would like to share at any time, we would love to hear/see them.
Sending love from Berlin,
Hanna (one of Maddy's big sisters)