{"id":179,"date":"2025-06-23T12:11:51","date_gmt":"2025-06-23T16:11:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inhishands\/?p=179"},"modified":"2025-06-23T12:11:51","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T16:11:51","slug":"pastors-son-dies-in-tragic-fall-on-graduation-trip-family-vows-to-honor-him-by-living-life-to-the-fullest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/inhishands\/2025\/06\/pastors-son-dies-in-tragic-fall-on-graduation-trip-family-vows-to-honor-him-by-living-life-to-the-fullest\/","title":{"rendered":"Pastor’s Son Dies in Tragic Fall on Graduation Trip: Family Vows to ‘honor him by living life to the fullest’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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@grantherridge \/ Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Texas pastor’s son who had just graduated from high school died in a tragic fall while visiting Olympic National Park in Washington state. The family, heartbroken by the loss, is choosing to honor his legacy by living as he did\u2014fully and joyfully.<\/p>\n

Grant Herridge, 18, was on a post-graduation adventure to explore seven national parks when he slipped and fell from a 50-foot waterfall on June 8. According to the National Park Service, the teen was seen walking across rocks at the top of the waterfall when he lost his footing. His body has not yet been recovered due to difficult weather conditions that have hindered search and rescue operations.<\/p>\n

His father, Brad Ray Herridge, a pastor at Ocker Brethren Church in Temple, Texas, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, calling it a “tragic accident.”<\/p>\n

“Grant was always so full of life,” Pastor Herridge said in an interview<\/a> with KWTX. “We are going to honor him by living life to the fullest in the future.”<\/p>\n

Grant had planned to begin college at Baylor University this fall, a dream deeply rooted in family tradition. Both his parents are Baylor alumni, and his mother currently works at the university.<\/p>\n

“He had wanted to go to Baylor his whole life,” his father shared. “Baylor’s like in his heart.”<\/p>\n

A passionate adventurer with a deep appreciation for nature and experiences, Grant left for his trip with plans to explore the beauty of America’s national parks. His father said the journey reflected who Grant was\u2014someone who embraced life with purpose and joy.<\/p>\n

“He loved doing exciting, fun things,” Herridge said. “He has a ring that he’s been wearing for several years, and the reason he got the ring was because of the saying that was inscribed in it: ‘While we wait for life, life passes.'”<\/p>\n

That phrase, now etched in memory, captures the way Grant lived\u2014present, intentional, and vibrant.<\/p>\n

Tributes have poured in from across the community, including from Grant’s alma mater, Vanguard College Preparatory School in Waco, Texas.<\/p>\n

“We love you, Grant,” the school wrote in a touching Facebook post. “You were a bright light and a true lighthouse in the Viking community, guiding others with kindness, joy, fun, and unwavering faith and inclusivity.”<\/p>\n

The tribute continued: “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 students, faculty, staff, and coaches are all better because of you.”<\/p>\n

As the Herridge family mourns an unimaginable loss, they are also leaning on their faith and community to carry them through.<\/p>\n

“We miss him more than words can express,” Pastor Herridge wrote. “But we know he’s with Jesus, and we will see him again.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A Texas pastor’s son who had just graduated from high school died in a tragic fall while visiting Olympic National Park in Washington state. The family, heartbroken by the loss, is choosing to honor his legacy by living as he did\u2014fully and joyfully. 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