Vladik Shibanov TributeIn the late hours of October 20, 2009, Vladik and a group of school friends met for a late night get together. Around 10:50pm local time, Vladik and a school friend identified only as a "champion go-cart racer" from Alushta broke away from the group to head home. Vladik, being the generous kid he was, offered a ride to his friend in his new car - a black 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander purchased in September of this year. Vlad loved his new car and was proud to show it off. Vlad also loved speed. As the rain poured down, and visibility decreased because of fog, Vlad's speed increased. The vehicle's tires, designed for sparse recreational use only, already worn down from the rough Crimean terrain were to be replaced a week prior. What little tread was left was not enough to keep Vlad on the road at the speed he was travelling. Vlad lost control, hitting a concrete divider. He died instantly. MVD officials say speed, weather and poor tires were the ultimate cause of the accident. Alcohol was not a factor. In a cruel twist of fate, his friend never lost consciousness during the entire ordeal. As emergency personnel worked for nearly an hour to cut Vlad from the car, his friend not only suffered from physical pain but the pain of seeing Vlad laying beside him. Vlad's friend remains in critical but stable condition suffering from spinal, chest and head injuries. He is expected to pull through. Born into a humbled home, Vladik's circle of friends included the rich and elite of Crimea. But he never accepted handouts from his wealthy friends. Vlad carried his weight, and while his mates got weekly allowances from their parents, Vlad worked to keep up a lifestyle he so adored. Vlad leaves behind Mother, Father and his baby Sister. He also leaves behind thousands of friends all over the world.
