Pastor's son dies in tragic fall on graduation trip, family vows to 'honor him by living life to the fullest'
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A pastor’s son in Texas died after falling from a 50-foot waterfall in Washington state during a trip celebrating his graduation from high school.

Brad Ray Herridge, a pastor at Ocker Brethren Church in Temple, Texas, said on Facebook that his son, Grant Herridge, died on June 8 following a “tragic accident” at Olympic National Park in Washington.

The National Park Service said in a statement that an 18-year-old man fell off a 50-foot waterfall at Olympic National Park in Port Angeles, Washington. Eyewitnesses saw the teenager walking across rocks at the top of a waterfall when he slipped.

The Olympic National Park Search and Rescue Team began its search immediately after Herridge went missing, but haven’t recovered his body. Rescue operations were paused on Tuesday because of weather conditions.

Grant Herridge in pool

Grant Herridge sits in a pool while overlooking mountains. (Instagram/Grantherridge)

“He had wanted to go to Baylor his whole life,” Herridge said. “His mom and I graduated from Baylor, his mom works for Baylor… so Baylor’s like in his heart.”

In a statement posted to Facebook, Grant Herridge’s former school, Vanguard College Preparatory, said, “We love you, Grant.”

Sol Duc Falls

Sol Duc Falls in Olympic National Park. (National Park Service)

“You were a bright light and a true lighthouse in the Viking community, guiding others with kindness, joy, fun, and unwavering faith and inclusivity. Whether in the classroom, on the golf course, or in the halls, your light drew people in and made them feel seen, valued, and welcome,” the school wrote. “The students, faculty, staff, and coaches are all better because of you.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Suspect steals Bedford Park police squad car, US Postal Service truck, hits mother, 2 children in Bridgeview, officials say

High-Speed Chaos in Chatham: Suspect Rams Police Officer and Squad Car During Intense South Cottage Grove Avenue Pursuit

Authorities swiftly apprehended a suspect in Bronzeville, according to reports from the…
Diddy's twin daughters, 18, dress as Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders

Diddy’s Twin Daughters Stun in Iconic Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Outfits at 18

Hours after their father, Sean “Diddy” Combs, was spotted for the first…
Coast Guard stops panga with 11 Mexican migrants near San Diego

U.S. Coast Guard Intercepts Vessel Carrying 11 Mexican Migrants Near San Diego Coast

The Nexstar Media video above explains the deportation process In a recent…
SNL mocks Trump's White House renovation with HGTV-style makeover

SNL Satirizes Trump’s White House Renovation with a Humorous HGTV-Inspired Makeover

Saturday Night Live humorously tackled Donald Trump’s White House redesign with a…
Crime-ridden blue-city slaps curfew on under-18s after juvenile chaos

City Implements Curfew for Teens to Curb Rising Disorder and Ensure Safety

The mayor of Washington, D.C., a member of the Democratic party, has…
Meghan and Harry are spotted 'trick or treating with wine and beer'

Royal Revelry: Meghan and Harry’s Halloween Adventure with Wine and Beer – A Spooky Twist on Tradition!

Meghan Markle was recently seen embracing the Halloween spirit alongside her children,…
5 ways Halloween candies can interact with your medications

Five Surprising Interactions Between Halloween Candy and Medications You Should Know

Don’t let those sweet treats trick you this Halloween. Each year, Americans…
Obama stumps for Dem candidates, says Trump is 'all tricks, no treats'

Obama Campaigns for Democratic Candidates, Criticizes Trump as ‘All Tricks, No Treats

On Saturday, former President Barack Obama rallied support for Democratic gubernatorial candidates…