INDIANAPOLIS — With the beat of a drum, 48-year-old Frank Saywer was the heartbeat of the Indianapolis Jazz Orchestra.
"And that's what he was. That was his role. He was the heartbeat and when he started playing, he was very chill but boy he was in the zone once he started playing," Rick Vale said.
Singer, and Artistic Director, Rick Vale shared the stage with Sawyer for at least a decade.
He says Sawyer's passion was always felt.
"He loved performing. He loved making people happy. He was gifted at it," Vale said. "He was one of the finest drummers I ever worked with. He just loved his parents and he was proud when they were there."
Those performances are now cherished memories.
Sunday, Sawyer was walking on the city's east side before metro police say he was killed by a hit-and-run driver.
"It's just kind of numbing. Now, it's hard to believe it's really true," Vale said.
His passing marked the 21st deadly hit and run across Indianapolis.
It's the highest since 2011.
"He is, as we all come, a statistic, but this was a magnificent life," Vale said.
Friends and family don't want Sawyer to be remembered as the man who broke a tragic statistic.
They want him to be remembered as a talented drummer with a big heart.
"Frank was a very unassuming, very calm, steady, very friendly, always smiling," Vale said.
While his presence on stage will never be fulfilled, his legacy will live on.
-
Dominated by Ohio State for years, Indiana has a chance for the big payback
No. 2 Ohio State will have its hands full against a surprising Indiana team that is undefeated and No. 5 in the rankings.
Anthony Richardson is out to prove himself again when Colts and Lions square off
Anthony Richardson wants his doubters to know one thing: Last week's performance was no fluke. All he has to do Sunday is prove it.
Caitlin Clark to join Cincinnati bid for National Women's Soccer League team
Major League Soccer's FC Cincinnati is trying to bring a women's pro team to the city. The club says Clark has joined in the effort.
IMPD officer charged after recording sexual acts in full uniform, voyeurism
An IMPD officer has been charged with voyeurism after allegedly recording sexual acts while in uniform with women without their consent to be on camera.
