One day in April 1994, I was working in a studio apartment with John Perry Barlow. The news of Cynthia Horner’s sudden death hit hard; she had been Barlow’s girlfriend and both had battled a viral heart attack.

Barlow’s friendship with JFK Jr., the son of Kennedy, was unexpected but poignant. They shared trips on LSD, music concerts and even wedding preparations. Barlow’s account in his autobiography suggests an evolving relationship from mentor to friend.

The night Cynthia died, Barlow and I cried together, drinking and headbanging, while JFK Jr. joined us. It was a surreal moment that left an indelible mark on all of us.

Barlow’s final warning to Kennedy about flying at sunset before his tragic death adds a poignant layer to their friendship. The conversation with JFK Jr., where Barlow referenced an old joke, highlights the bittersweet nature of such connections.

This reflection on loss and friendship serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of those we hold dear.