Family Installs Monument for BYUI Student Killed in Water Accident

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Story Published: Jul 21, 2008 at 5:16 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 11:29 PM MST

By Nate Eaton

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FREMONT CO. - One year ago Monday, a BYU-Idaho student died following a violent water accident at a popular swimming hole in Fremont County.

After living all over the world, 18-year-old Parker Bradford moved to Rexburg last summer to attend BYU-Idaho.

He died within two weeks of coming here but now a part of him will forever remain in Eastern Idaho.

Aaron Dalton, Bradford's Uncle: "This was a kid who loved life, loved people, and was just a really genuine good kid."

Parker Bradford loved to help others and he died doing what he loved.

After he and his friend Logan Gerratt were sucked into a whirlpool at Monkey Rock, Parker was able to free himself and yell for help. Then, he jumped back in to save Logan's life.

Two days later, Parker passed away. However, the brave teenage boy, who loved sports and music, still lives on through a monument, a loving mom and a dad, and family and friends from all over the world who gather to remember his life.

Dalton: "People are here from the far east, I think people have flown in from Japan, and there's some people here from Germany."

For everyone who knew Parker, it's been a rough year but a year full of life-changing lessons.

Dalton: "For me, personally, getting to know so much more about the kind of kid that Parker was. I thought I knew him pretty well but it was the tip of the iceberg."

And now, at a place where his life was taken, everyone can get to know Parker as his legacy lives on and his family does what he loved...helping others...especially the one for whom Parker gave all.

Logan Gerratt, Bradford's Friend: "I have a very, very deep love for them and am very grateful for how they treat me and how they love everyone. They're great people."

Parker's family was pleased that the canal company has installed 'No Trespassing' signs at the accident site.

They hope those signs and the memorial will serve as a warning to how deadly the site can be.

For more on this story, click below:

Water Accident Victim Remembers Friend Who Saved His Life Part I.

Water Accident Victim Remembers Friend Who Saved His Life Part II.

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