Many friends and fellow activists have fallen in the struggle for Earth and animal liberation. Saddly, in the last year we have seen many casualties throughout the world as deaths occured at protest camps in North America and the UK as well as the life ending hunger strike by Animal liberationist Barry Horne. We think it is important to rememeber these people who lost their lives while struggling for change. This is by no means an exhaustive list.

Standing Deer Wilson, Native American former political prisoner stabbed to death by a man he recently befriended in January 2003. Standing Deer was just released from prison in September 2001 after a 27 year sentence. He was also known for exposing the plot to kill Leonard Peltier by the US government

William Sweet, British anti-bloodsports activist shot dead (January 1976) during an altercation with a man shooting birds.

Fernando Pereira, Greenpeace activist killed in New Zealand (July 1985) when the French secret service blew up the ship the Rainbow Warrior.

Bartolomeu Morais da Silva (aka "Brasilia") a Brazilian farmer who led the struggle against illegal logging, land fraud and destructive large-scale infrastructure projects was found murdered from shot gun wounds and his legs broken in July 2002.

Vikki Moore, English anti-blood fiesta activist died in February 2000 from wounds received after being gored by a bull whilst working undercover in Spain.

Mike Hill, British hunt saboteur deliberately run over by a hunter in February 1991.

Tom Worby, British hunt saboteur deliberately run over by a hunter in April 1993.

Geetaban Rachiya, Indian vegetarian activist who was hacked to death by two butchers in the summer of 1993 following a successful campaign against the sale of mutton.

Karl Von Notten, a Belgium vet who was assassinated in 1993 by hitmen after he exposed mafia connections in the meat industry.

Jill Phipps, British activist deliberately run over whilst trying to stop live animal exports in February 1995.

David "Gypsy" Chain, American eco-activist crushed to death in September 1998 when a tree was felled on top of him by an irate logger in California's Headwoods Forest.

Jo, an English eco-activist whose body was found in her burnt out hut at the Nine Ladies anti-quarry protest camp in March 2002.

Beth O'Brien, an American eco-activist died in April 2002 after falling from a tree she was sitting in and protecting at the Eagel Creek timber sale and camp.

Robert "Naya" Bryan, an American eco-activist who died October 2002 after falling from a tree he occupied in Santa Cruz.

Barry Horne, British Animal Lib prisoner starved to death in November 2001 as a result of a hunger strike protesting the Government's mass slaughter of farm animals during a Foot & Mouth outbreak.

A Tribute to the Warriors We've Lost (from Green Canopy Winter 2002 issue)

The forest defense community has been hit hard over the past few months. Only days before the official victory of the Eagle timber sale cancellation, Beth O'Brien, or "Horehound", tragically fell to her death from a tree-sit. The following is from a April 13th press release by the Cascadia Forest Alliance in Portland: "We are a community shocked and saddened by Beth's tragic death. Years of community efforts, heralded by direct action, have protected the Eagle Creek area thus far. Beth's death came as we were preparing to take down the tree sits upon receipt of a signed legally binding contract canceling the sales... Tree-sitting is a risk taken to protect our remaining native forest from destruction. It is a tragedy that such risks must be taken. While we recognize the dangers inherent in tree-sitting, we take safety seriously. Tree-sitters and tree-climbing trainers are taught the best safety available and constantly stress the importance of conveying safety protocols to others. This tragic accident results because communities must risk their lives to protect their land." Beth spent several years defending ancient forests and was also involved with Food Not Bombs and other community groups. She will be missed and her dedication will never be forgotten.

On May 3, 2002 we lost another beautiful womyn. Sadly, Jessiah (aka Jessi) took her own life just a month before her 21st birthday. Jessiah was a long time, dedicated Fall Creek-er, spending most of her time living in the trees or in pods. She is remembered as someone that could always make people laugh and get over their drama, telling them to "Get a grip!" Jessiah would have done anything to protect Fall Creek. It was her home. We love you Jessiah, and will miss you greatly and we'll remember you always, especially at Venus.

In yet another tragedy, our friend and fellow warrior, Raven, was shot and killed while fending off a rapist in Mexico last summer. Raven spent time in the trees and the forest at both the Fall Creek and Winberry tree villages and was dedicated to defending these, and all, forests from chainsaws. Raven's death was a shock to everyone. Her spirit is among us.

We would also like to mention other warriors we have lost over the past several months including Sera, Fester, Poet, Captain, and Lilâ Mikey; all spent time defending our ancient forests at one time or another. The entire community and all those that got to know these individuals out in the forest are shocked and saddened to lose such great warriors. May all your spirits live on, forever wild.