| About |
My brother Mike Naprstek passed away on July 18, 1992. I can honestly say it was the single worst day of my life! He was a passenger in a Jeep and died instantly when the Jeep flipped over in Kill Devil Hills, NC. My brother and I were very close. We were 11 months apart in age and although we fought like crazy, no one loved him more than I did. We were always there for each other. He was a drummer in a band "FuseBox". I regret that I didn't listen to their music until I was given a tape of them soon after Mike died and I can honestly say, they were excellent! Pure talent! There is no doubt in mind that Michael would have become a famous rock star had he lived past the age of 19. He had a huge scrapbook full of autographs and pictures of him with famous rock bands. One of Mike's favorite bands was Skid Row. Sebastian Bach, the lead singer, and Michael looked like twin brothers! Mike became fast friends with the band and would travel around with them and they would take care of him. When Mike died, some of his friends got word to Sebastian Bach who was on tour with Guns and Roses over in China and the bands were all completely devastated. Soon after, my mom received a call from the band's manager saying that Skid Row wanted to do a benefit concert in Mike's name to honor him. My family was to say the least, beyond overwhelmed and excited! The concert took place on December 12, 1992 in Baltimore, Maryland. MTV covered the event as well as SPIN Magazine and other sources. My entire family, Mike's closest friends, and his girlfriend, Shawn Minyard, were given VIP treatment! We had a special section above the stage to view the concert and literally stood in amazement at what we were witnessing. At the time, Skid Row were in the height of their fame. The last song played, "I Remember You," was dedicated to Mike by Sebastian Bach and he told the sold out crowd how Mike was his best friend and how he considered him a brother. Photos of Mike were shown on a large screen and there wasn't a dry eye in the entire arena! After the show, we anxiously awaited backstage to meet the band. When Sebastian walked in, my brother Ben and I almost passed out! It was like seeing Michael again! They were both tall, 6'3, skinny, long blonde hair, and so gorgeous! Sebastian walked right over to me and put his arms around me and said, "You are definitely Mike's sister. You two look just alike." I replied to him, "I don't even hold a candle to you! You and Mike are twins!" I hugged and kissed Sebastian and thanked him for all he had done for my brother. He teared up and told my parents how special Mike was to him and the entire rock and roll community. He then informed us that he kept a picture of he and Mike on his nightstand next to his bed! My boyfriend at the time, (now my husband Eric) could not believe all of the reporters backstage and the celebrity that surrounded us. My parents donated all of the money raised from the concert to the Juvenile Diabetes Association. Mike was a diabetic when he died. That is a special memory for me and I have made sure my own children have grown up knowing their Uncle Michael. I named my first born daughter after him~Olivia Caroline Michael. She resembles Mike a lot and has a lot of his personality traits. My precious brother has been gone almost 16 years now but not a day goes by that I don't think of him and I know that he has a special place in heaven with God and Jesus Christ! Not long after he died, my mom found a card that Mike had drawn a heart on and written, "I love Jesus." Yes, Michael loved Jesus and Jesus saw something very special in my dear brother and I guess needed him in heaven sooner rather than later. I hold onto the knowledge that one day I will see my beautiful brother's face again in heaven! God Bless Him! |
