M&Ms and Gratitude
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 15 hours ago
One week ago I had the honor of attending the premiere of Damon Ristau’s documentary film To Kill a Mermaid: The Linnea Mills Story. Jenn and I arrived in Montana a few days early and visited the deceptively serene shores of Lake MacDonald in Glacier National Park, where my beloved daughter Linnea was killed. When we arrived the lake was calm with a perfect reflection of the mountains and peals of children’s laughter ringing through the quiet, a lovely testimony to the full circle of life. We honored Linnea’s life and laughter with M&Ms on a small rock cairn that we built, at the location she entered the water as a scuba student on her last dive.
The film premier was stunningly powerful and healing. A sold-out crowd of about 800 filled Missoula’s Wilma Theater. You could hear a pin drop as the audience sat spellbound by Damon's gorgeous recount of Linnea’s beautiful life and unnecessary death. After the soaring conclusion of the film’s emotional journey, the crowd erupted into a standing ovation as Damon, Nick, Lisa and I took the stage to answer questions.
I found myself unexpectedly nervous in front of my long-time community. I have given hundreds of lectures and talks around the world as a professor for nearly 30 years. And yet, this was a big moment, sharing for the first time the full arc of Linnea’s story, in vivid detail, with the world. I collected myself and shared a few thoughts. First I expressed gratitude to Damon for his dedication to telling Linnea’s story in a visually compelling and technically accurate way. Then, looking into the audience, I asked who knew or had otherwise crossed paths with Linnea - to please stand. Roughly 1/3 of the audience rose, prompting an audible murmur of surprise. I noted that a part of Linnea was carried within each of those standing, just as she carried them on her remarkable life path. We all share that bond of Linneaness.
I am deeply grateful for all who attended the film and for those who have privately shared their personal support. Together we will continue to carry the grief of a young life unnecessarily lost, while channeling the buoyant joy and love of Linnea. Together, let’s seek the reforms needed to improve diver safety and to seek justice and accountability for my girl, Linnea Rose Mills. Stand by for more information about how you can get involved.
I’ve received many inquiries asking how to watch Damon’s film. For the time being, the film can only be viewed at film festival showings until it is picked up for broader distribution. Next up – the Vero Beach Film Festival on April 12, 2026.
