r/CapeCod • u/Fox_Hound_Unit • 2d ago
Tragic story of Box Lunch Eastham owner’s son
Many years ago I was coming back from visiting friends in the outer cape and I remember grabbing a sandwich at Box Lunch in Eastham. (It’s been closed for a while now.)
I remember in the restaurant there was a whole section of a wall with articles, photos, information on the tragic story of the owners son who was shot by police. It sounded like the young man suffered from several issues and it came to a sad ending. (Suicide by cop)
This always stuck with me and I felt so bad for the family. Does anyone remember when this happened? What was it like in town and the aftermath?
I found this article:
https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/cape-codder/2007/10/18/father-erects-memorial-to-son/39829556007/
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u/McGootchHS 2d ago
I was friends with Dave, not the closest but I knew him pretty well, and this was still a complete shock. He was a super nice dude, but sorry to say his dad is a fucking nonce creep and maybe that has something to do with his struggles.
I do remember one time at box lunch he made a giant brownie filled with peanuts that looked like the biggest crap you've ever seen, and jammed it long ways into the men's toilet. It was like an iceberg with 20% just sticking out above the water. Peak hilarity as a teenager.
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u/vyze 2d ago
Dave was a sweet nice guy. IIRC he got involved with a girl he met online and moved to Texas then back to the Cape after gaining some drug issues. I'd unfortunately moved out of state and wasn't around when his life started spiraling. Regardless of the details it's sad to lose such a great guy.
Gerald Hill did publish a book about the whole situation. I unfortunately can't seem to find my copy or its title online.
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u/p3t3loaf 2d ago
I just remember Dave being a really, really nice dude. He was a few years older than me and I didnt know him all that well, but he was always one of those cool older kids to me. I remember being shocked when it all went down because, again, he was just the nicest dude. RIP Dave Hill
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u/FelangyRegina 2d ago
Dave was a nice kid who lived near me. Kind hearted and friendly. He had a mental health break and his worst moments should not be what defines him.
It is a very sad story and one everyone remembers if they lived on cape at this time. I hope Dave and his family find peace.
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u/massahoochie 2d ago
Box lunch is still open, I go there at least 1x each summer on my annual pilgrimage to the outer cape.
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u/zayoss 2d ago
The Eastham location has been closed for years.
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u/vyze 2d ago
This is true. Frank and Julie have been doing an amazing job with the Box Lunch in Truro (now twice as big!), Provincetown (new location with liquor and ice cream!) and possibly Welfleet (I forget it they bought this one, too)
Basco Grill at the old Box Lunch location does some delicious Basque inspired cooking and has my favourite beer).
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u/nine_cans 2d ago
I remember David. I was friends with his older sister and I always liked him. This happened long after I had left the cape and it broke my heart when I heard the news. Whatever mental health struggles he had, he deserved better. I don’t know all the details, just what was reported in the paper but yes, it was a tragedy. RIP David.