Texas teen headed to Baylor dies in waterfall accident after graduation

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.

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The teen’s father said his son was “always so full of life,” adding, “We are going to honor him by living life to the fullest in the future.”

Brad Herridge told KWTX his son left for a post-graduation trip on June 8, seeking to visit seven national parks around the United States.

“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 the ring that says, ‘While we wait for life, life passes.'”

Grant Herridge planned to attend Baylor University in the fall, according to his dad.

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“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.”

“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.”