On Wednesday, The New York Times reported that former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). According to Harvard Medical School, CTE is known to cause cognitive difficulties, mood disturbances, and violent behavior. Hernandez was convicted of first-degree murder in 2015 for the death of Odin Lloyd, a semi-pro football player who had dated the sister of Hernandez’s fiancee, and was serving a life sentence. Last April, Hernandez was found dead in his cell by apparent suicide.
CTE has been linked to head trauma, and recent research from neuropathologist Dr. Ann McKee found after studying 111 brains of former NFL players, all but one had the degenerative disease. According to Hernandez’s lawyer, Jose Baez, his case of CTE was “the most severe case they had ever seen in someone of Aaron’s age.” Hernandez was 27 at the time of his death. Baez is looking to sue the NFL and the New England Patriots on behalf of Hernandez’s 4-year-old daughter.
Neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu believes that CTE was a direct cause for Hernandez’s violent behavior. Omalu was the first to discover and publish findings of CTE and was the subject of the 2015 Will Smith film “Concussion.” “There is no question in my mind that CTE drove Aaron Hernandez to suicide and other criminal and violent behavior,” he told TMZ Sports. “If you read my book ‘Truth Doesn’t Have a Side’ you will encounter the chapter titled ‘I Bet My License OJ Simpson Has CTE,’ therefore, it should not be surprising that Aaron Hernandez eventually committed suicide.”
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This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.