UPDATE: Claire Flemming Says 2012 Daffodil Court Can Honor Alexandria Cole By Finishing Year Strong

UPDATE, 5 p.m., 4/16/12

I just got this e-mail from 2011 Daffodil Queen Claire Flemming in response to her reaction to the last week:

The news of Alex's death was shocking and incredibly sad to say the least. It is never easy to lose someone you know, especially someone as talented, beautiful, and wonderful as Alex was. The Daffodil princesses are a very special group of people and it is a tragedy to have lost Princess Alex so soon, when she really did have the opportunity for such a bright future ahead.

If I could say anything to the current court, I would encourage them to hold their heads high and remember not the sadness and pain of Alex's death, but all of the wonderful things that she brought to this Earth while she was here. The bond that the Daffodil Princesses share is truly unlike any other, and I know that losing Alex was truly like losing a sister for the 2012 court. They have to remember her joyful spirit and honor her by finishing this year out strong.

Thanks, Claire, for sharing your thoughts with Patch.

---

University Place's Claire Flemming - last year's Daffodil Queen - is extremely saddened at the this week.

That's according to her father, Pierce County Councilman and former UP Mayor . He wrote this to Patch today:

I have spoken to Claire. She was very saddened to hear the news. As you know, she's been quite close to the current Daffodil court and has served as a mentor to the current Queen and Princesses.

Claire is away at college, but Patch has got an e-mail into her. We'll update you if we hear from her.

As for the current Daffodil court, then intend to honor Cole at Saturday's parade.