Part-Owner of Stella Blues and Three Monkeys Commits Suicide

• i don't see the harm in posting facts. often facts are hurtful, but if the story was reported true i do not understand why there is such a backlash on the writer.

• Why, you ask, are posters up in arms about this! I will tell you! As a family member, I can tell you that John was a very fun loving, generous and admirable man with a heart of gold! That is how we want him remembered! His business sense was impeccable and all those material items that you listed, TOM (a little jealous are you?) John worked hard, for many years and earned every one of them! As you know, money doesn't always bring happiness, but John brought lots of happiness to many! God bless him and that is all anyone needs to know!

• Tom, you're a jerk also for releasing more innaccurate details about something you obviously have no knowledge of. Basically perpetuating more rumors.

• I'm a little confused about some of the posters here being so upset about RFT's reporting of a 'public' event. I find it very sad that any person finds it necessary to commit suicide, but even more so when the person has the appearance of such success. Wife, family, grandchildern, two car dealerships, two restaurants, commercial property company, and a home worth $2.45 million. What can drive someone to commit such an act when they have so much going for them. Unfortunately for his friends and family, Mr. Van Hoogstraat made his death a public event when he chose to shoot himself inside Stella Blues in full view of anyone passing by the windows of the restaurant. From what I heard (there are more rumors than facts in this case) it was a passerby that looked in and saw his body and called the police. Personally I think the total lack of reporting by the general media sources is doing more of a disservice to the public in failing to generate a greater awareness of suicide and depression and the services and help available, especially in these difficult times.

• such assholes and for all of you you dont have a problem with the rft giving specific hurtful details, God forbid something happen to someone in your family. Bet you wont be calling the RFT then and giving them the specifics of a loved ones demise. Sick!

• I don't think anyone who reads this post is interested in grisly or prurient details. Knowing that John's death was a suicide makes it all the more tragic, not sensational. I find it hard to believe that anyone reading (or writing) these posts could do so without a deep sense of sympathy for the friends and family of the deceased. A greater shame to me is that a news item regarding a man's tragic death has been turned into a debate on journalistic propriety. I suppose if it helps people grieve to threaten to have their dogs piss on the RFT, well, more power to you. But it's hardly an appropriate tribute to the departed.

• like Beth, I am having trouble understanding these posts. This is a horrible tragedy, but every news report I've ever seen regarding someone's death either identifies the cause of death or makes some sort of statement that the cause is unknown. This element of a news report is rarely absent and seems to be essential. I agree that on occasion, the RFT will post a blog that features judgmental, slanted and, in the case of criminal activity, a "guilty before proven innocent" style of commentary...and I've certainly read a post or two in the news blog that presents rumored factual information prematurely.....which is why I'm surprised that this basic, 3-sentence blog is provoking these comments

• I agree that this story revealed too much personal information. State the simple facts that it was an unexpected death, no need for details that can harm the healing process. This is just another disgusting move by the RFT.

• I, for one, would not have known about this if not for the RFT reporting it. My condolences to Chris in this difficult time.

• I am very sorry to hear of this unfortunate death and very sad situation. I don't understand why the posters are so agitated about this item being reported. It is news and relevant to this paper precisely because the fellow was part-owner of two well known (and well liked) establishments, one of which was closed without much explanation earlier this year. Seeing as how this paper regularly reports on such establishments, I think it would be irresponsible of them *not* to report it. Would the Rolling Stone, which regularly reports on music, be expected to exlude news of Michael Jackson's death just because it is a death and falls into some "news" category? Or how about the death of Shannon Hoon (lead vocalist of Blind Melon) by drug OD. Or the suicide of Michael Hutchence (INXS lead vocalist). You get the idea. I can appreciate that some of the posters may have personally known this individual and the news is very sensitive and tragic. On the other hand, it is relevant, so why shouldn't the RFT carry it?

• SHAME ON YOU RFT.

• And this is your business to put in your paper, why? It cant be to sell papers, cuz you can get your crappy paper just about anywhere for free. I really hope the remaining partner at Three Monkeys sets your crappy papers and wire stand out on the curb for the trash truck to come pick up your trash talking paper. Its a shame that you felt the need to print such personal information when family and friends are trying to deal with this huge loss. I will make sure to tell all my friends and family about what you have done and how low you have gone. I will also continue to use your crappy paper for my dogs pee pads, after all, they are free.

• I find it hard to believe that RFT a local paper known for where to eat and drink in St Louis would find it necessary to run a article of something so personal as someone taking their own life. I would expect that of The Post, and the local news channels as they have no sympathy for anyone or anything. But for the RFT, you just became part of the rest of the scum in this sick society. I will be sure to express my opinion to everyone I know. Hopefully when the time comes and there is sorry in one of your love ones live you will be so bold as to announce it on the front page of the RFT.

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