An 18-year-old man, Grant Herridge, tragically lost his life after falling from a 50-foot waterfall at Olympic National Park in Washington state during a graduation trip. The incident occurred on June 8, and his father, Brad Herridge, expressed his intention to honor his son by living life to the fullest in the future.
According to the National Park Service, Herridge fell from the waterfall after slipping while walking across rocks at the top. The search for Herridge began immediately after he went missing, but the operations were paused due to deteriorating weather conditions. The Olympic National Park Search and Rescue Team remains committed to finding the body, but the recovery has been delayed due to the elements.
Herridge, known for his adventurous spirit, had planned to visit seven national parks across the United States during his post-graduation trip. He was looking forward to attending Baylor University in the fall, a dream that had been in his heart for years. His father mentioned that the teen had a ring with the inscribed message, ‘While we wait for life, life passes,’ which resonated with his pursuit of living life to the fullest.
The tragedy has deeply impacted the community, with his former school, Vanguard College Preparatory, expressing their heartfelt condolences. The school praised Herridge for being a bright light and a true lighthouse in the Viking community, guiding others with kindness, joy, and unwavering faith. The students, faculty, staff, and coaches are all better because of his presence, the school stated.
His father’s words reflect the resilience of the family in the face of such a devastating loss. Brad Herridge emphasized that they will honor his son by living life to the fullest in the future, a sentiment that aligns with the values for which Grant was known.