A high school sophomore in Washington state sadly lost his life after a freak accident in gym class left him impaled through the eye.
April 27 was likely a typical day for Brayden Bahme. The previous day had been his 16th birthday, and after he arrived at Cheney High School in Cheney, Washington, about 15 miles southwest of Spokane, he probably went about his usual business. In fourth period, he headed outside for gym class.
That was the last time many of his friends and classmates ever saw him alive. Just before 2 p.m., Brayden was participating in a running exercise on an athletic field when he somehow impaled himself on a goal post. He was obviously critically injured and had lost consciousness. Witnesses attempted to render aid, and first responders arrived on the scene within minutes. They quickly transported the teen to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, but despite their quick efforts, he soon afterward died from his injuries.
Unfortunately, his death was not surprising to those who saw his condition after the accident. “The injury was not sustainable with life,” Cheney Fire Chief Tom Jenkins later reported.
Superintendent Ben Ferney released a statement following Brayden’s death, thanking those who worked so tirelessly to render assistance and to those offering support and counseling to those left to grieve.
And, indeed, the Cheney community appears to have loved Brayden. “Honestly, [Brayden] was one of the most nicest and most respectful students I’ve ever met in my life,” one of his soccer teammates said. Hundreds gathered on Monday night for a candlelight vigil to honor the boy nicknamed “Fish Pockets” because of his love of fishing. Many attendees donated fishing gear and scrawled farewell messages on a pontoon boat in loving memory of their friend.
“Honestly, [Brayden] was one of the most nicest and most respectful students I’ve ever met in my life,” said one fellow soccer player at the vigil. Another said, “Brayden was a pretty nice guy. He always supported us at every single one of our games, no matter how bad we were losing or how good we were playing.”
Many individuals donated fishing gear in Brayden’s memory and shared memories for everyone to hear. Brayden’s family also brought the family’s boat that Brayden spent a majority of his free time on with a decal added for Fish Pockets Brayden Bahme. They asked everyone to sign the boat to write messages to Brayden.
This night allowed so many to come together and grieve as one. #love4brayden #blueforbrayden #fishpocketsbrayden | Cheney High School | Cheney High School · Original audiowww.facebook.com
The family has set up a GoFundMe account to raise money for funeral expenses. All other proceeds will be donated to a youth fishing program established in Brayden’s name. As of Thursday afternoon, the account had already tripled its original goal of $10,000.
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