In a statement released by his family they say, “We have been trying to figure out how to tell everyone how amazing Lucas was, but that would take 18 years.”
Just a summer ago Wildlife Safari was the place Lucas loved to pass his spare time, about 15 minutes outside of Roseburg. Employees say he was a bright and shining light at their facility who always had a smile on his face.
“I was just in shock, nothing you’d expect. He was so young,” said Leila Gouleg who worked closely with Eibel during his time at the park.
“Everyone at the park has some kind of story about him and how he impacted their life.”
Just a summer ago Eibel worked along side Gouleg here as a Junior Zoo Keeper.
“Basically come in and clean animals enclosures and prepare their diet,” described Gouleg, “He just had such an amazing demeanor with the animals. Calm, compassionate.”
His passion and love of animals apparent from his hobbies. Along with the Wildlife Safari, Eibel also spent time volunteering at the Saving Grace Animal Shelter.
The people who knew him say his smile will be missed the most.
“He always had a huge smile on his face,” Gouleg remembered, “He was so happy to be here. What an honor it was to have him at the Safari. So lucky to have him.”
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