Rulon Stacey was a doctor and the President and CEO of Poudre Valley Hospital in Ft. Collins, Colorado, in October 1998 where Matthew Shepard was taken, and then died 5 days after he was violently beaten. Stacey acted as a spokesperson for the Shepard family during the time Matthew was hospitalized. The collection includes correspondence, photos, and a memory book about Shepard from the Poudre Valley Hospital employees.
Press Release from the Albany County Sheriff, October 8, 1998
The news release describes the joint investigation by the Albany County Sheriff's Office and the Laramie Police Department into the attempted murder of Matthew Shepard.
News Update on Matthew Shepard, October 8, 1998
Rulon Stacey's first prepared statement to the public and press on Matthew Shepard's medical condition after Shepard was admitted to the Poudre Valley Hospital.
Matthew Shepard's Parents' Statement and Request for Privacy, October 10, 1998
The text of a statement to the media from Matthew Shepard's parents. Rulon Stacey read the statement on their behalf.
Rulon F. Stacey's Notes For Press Conference, October 12, 1998
Handwritten notes created by Stacey for his 4am press conference at Poudre Valley Hospital on Monday, October 12, 1998. These notes were taken while Stacey was standing in the hospital hallway talking to Judy Shepard shortly after Matthew Shepard's death.
Medical Update on Matthew Shepard, October 12, 1998
The last update Rulon Stacey provided to the press following Matthew Shepard's death.
"Support for slain student overwhelming" by Ryan Van Benthuysen, The Daily Herald, October 13, 1998
The article from a Provo, Utah paper discusses Matthew Shepard's beating, hospialization and death and the relationship Rulon Stacey developed with Matthew Shepard's parents.
Poudre Valley Hospital Website Traffic Report, October 14, 1998
A summary of the traffic generated on the hospital's website while Matthew Shepard was hospitalized is an indication of a national outpouring of concern. The hospital received more than 14,000 email messages and phone calls from President Bill Clinton, Ellen Degeneres and Elton John, among others.
Letter from Roger Welty to Rulon Stacey, October 16, 1998
Welty, who lives in Bankgok, Thailand, asks Stacey to pass his condolences on to the Shepard family. His letter is an indication of the outpouring of worldwide concern.
Hate Mail received by Poudre Valley Hospital
The widespread publicity generated by Matthew Shepard's hospitalization and death also led to hateful anti-gay mail sent to Rulon Stacey and the Poudre Valley Hospital.
Dennis and Judy Shepard stand with Rulon Stacey and his wife next to a framed University of Wyoming Cowboy football jersey
In a lighter moment during a terribly sorrowful time, Dennis and Judy Shepard bonded with Rulon Stacey over the BYU-University of Wyoming football rivalry. The Shepards, who were University of Wyoming alumni, presented Stacey with a University of Wyoming Cowboy football jersey after Matthew Shepard's death.
Letter from Timothy J. Brister to Rulon Stacey, October 20, 1998
Timothy J. Brister writes a letter of appreciation to Rulon Stacey following Matthew Shepard's death. Brister commends Stacey for his compassion, sincerity and professionalism.
Rulon F. Stacey's Personal Recollections
Rulon Stacey's personal recollections from the period during and after Matthew Shepard's hospitalization and death.