Two years ago, Harvard Magazine (circulation 220,000) printed the following obituary:
“ERIK HUMPHREY GORDON ’95 died July 25, 2000, in New York City, from complications of injuries sustained in a ballooning accident outside Brussels. A lifelong amateur ballooning enthusiast, he had participated in competitions throughout the world. In 1999 he won the prestigious “Let’s Fly!” Award for excellence in ballooning from the International Federation of Balloonists. He leaves his life partner, Jeffrey, his parents, Michael and Sally, a sister, Amy, a brother, David, and a beloved pet monkey, Cher “
Friends and aquaintences noticed some small inconsistencies – the Erik they knew had a deathly fear of heights, was straight, and couldn’t stand monkeys. Turns out he was just trying to escape Harvard’s incessant money-grubbing solicitations.