Shain Gandee's Death: Could it have been prevented?

Shain takes the crew off-roading in Buckwild episode 1

Looking back at past Buckwild episodes, it's clear that from the get-go Shain ("Shane Gandee") was known as the wild man. Never one to turn down a crazy idea (redneck pool/slip and slide, slingshots, potato guns, and of course, 'muddin (off-roading), many clips from the show highlight Shain's fearless and wild approach, especially towards driving.

If the rumors are correct and Shain did in fact pass (much too soon) in a off-roading accident...I hate to say it..but the signs were there.

MTV's website offers Buckwild clips and full episodes to view, many of which feature Shain's rough and tough, down and dirty attitude, especially towards driving.

In the clip titled a cryptic "Muddin' Mishaps", Shae and Shain discuss cast member Katie's fear of driving and going off-roading with Shain. "I had her crying in my truck" said  Shain. "We were doing like, 60 [mph] on this little four wheel path!" Shae also chimes in stating Katie had good reason to be scared, as she herself hit her head from the crazy driving down muddy trails. "As soon as she sees my truck she jumps out [and says] 'I'm not gettin' back in there!" Shain says with a grin.

In another bonus clip "Drivin with Shae and Shain" Shae talks about Shain  driving in the mud...backwards..for a couple miles. Shain recounts the time he stole Shae's car, driving around curbs while pulling the emergency brake to "drift it", causing car problems requiring Shain to buy her a new set of tires.

Shain's erratic driving can be seen throuhout the season

As far back as Episode One, the group decides to go off-roading. As the trio climbs into the cab of the truck one of the boys yells out "I'm holding on for dear life...Shain's driving!"Shortly after getting into the truck Shane erratically drives off the paved road and begins to spin out. "Muddin' is my stress reliever!" he says. The rest of the clip shows the girls screaming, and Shain's truck getting stuck in the mud, requiring assistance from his friend Willy on a tractor to pull him out.

Shain's truck gets stuck in the mud, requires assistance from friend

While this may seem in all good fun I can't help but notice many events that happened during the series showing Shain's crazy, fearless driving especially in bad terrain basically showed it was an accident waiting to happen. Though MTV portrayed it as a bunch of cool 'red-neck' kids just having some down and dirty summer fun, it's hard to look back while knowing Shain's favorite thing to do could be what ultimately caused his untimely passing.

We will forever remember Shain Gandee in our hearts and hope this tragic accident can act as a reminder to others to play it safe. You NEVER know how much time you have left.

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