Sad Day, Justin Shronk (1981-2009)
by Court on 04.20.09, 4:55 pm
The combined 301 players that made it through the two flights of day 1 play are now all combined into one large field at the Bellagio. The total number of entrants for the tournament came in at 338 and with only 37 players being eliminated over the course of the two day 1’s there is a chance that more people will be eliminated in the first level of play as were eliminated on the day ones. For many around the room today even a $25k buyin tournament seems to be fairly unimportant in the grand scheme of things though.
Just before the start of the tournament Gavin Smith took the microphone and told everyone in the tournament room of the passing of Justin Shronk. Shronk has been a staple in the poker community over the last few years working for CardPlayer, PokerNews and most recently PokerRoad.com. He was well known and respected throughout the poker world and always had a kind word and helping hand for anyone he encountered.
At 27 years of age his death was both tragic and surprising. He had some health problems he had battled over the last few years, most recently being in the hospital for pancreatitis. None of the issues seemed life threatening and when he was released from the hospital Friday afternoon he seemed in good health and good spirits. He seemingly passed away while sleeping with no struggle or pain.
After a moment of silence the tournament had to go on and day 2 began, but around the room many players sit with their minds far away from the poker tables in the Fontana Lounge at the Bellagio. As the day goes on the initial shock will ease and the many pros around the room will be able to focus their thoughts on the task at hand. But for the first level at least there is a definite sadness and quietness around the room in rememberance of missed member of the poker community that was a good friend to many in this room.
