A sad commentary

Re “Richard Jewell, 44; wrongly suspected in ’96 Olympic bombing,” obituary, Aug. 30

How sad that Richard Jewell’s obituary leads by identifying him as “wrongly suspected” of the bombing at the Atlanta Olympics, while mention of his heroism doesn’t occur until paragraph nine. And what a lost opportunity to use the power of words to help right a wrong that itself was created by words. How different, and more fitting a tribute, would have been the headline: “Richard Jewell, 44; security guard whose fast action saved lives at ’96 Olympics.”

Lucy Vlahakis

Los Angeles