CHENEY - A vigil to remember and honor the life and memory of Brayden "Fish Pockets" Bahme was held on May 1 at Crunk's Field.
The sports field held nearly 500 people wearing Bahme's favorite color. Family, friends, neighbors and teachers all took time to speak about their fondest memories with Bahme. Bahme's mother thanked the community for the outpouring of support.
Bahme's father related a story of the day the family went camping and Brayden was late returning to camp. He eventually showed up with nine fish in different pockets and was thus given his nickname of "fish pockets."
Those who chose to speak sympathized with the family and shared remembrances of his drive to be in nature and his fondness of fishing.
"He worked hard to be the best he could be, and inspired others around him to be the best that they could be," one speaker said.
The family brought their boat which hundreds of people signed with a permanent marker.
Bahme, a student of the high school, died at a Spokane hospital after being impaled through the eye on a piece of rebar protruding from the ground around a field goal on April 27, according to a superintendent's press release and the fire department.
Brayden Bahme, boy 16, fell during PE class and was accidentally impaled through the eye. Emergency services were dispatched from the fire station at around 1:30 p.m. and arrived at the scene in under two minutes, according to the fire department.
"By the time we arrived, some of the staff had thankfully already begun to aid Brayden." Chief Tom Jenkins said.
"Brayden's vitals were rapidly declining when we arrived, and the decision was made to rush him to Spokane." Jenkins said.
Superintendent Ben Ferney released a statement on April 28 confirming that Braden had died. The press release included a statement from the family as well as a link to the GoFundMe page set up for Bahme's funeral expenses.
The funds raised over and above the funerary needs will go to a youth fishing program in honor of Bahme.
The superintendent's message included mentions of services available to students experiencing grief.
"While it is important to allow all the opportunity to experience grief, it is also important to maintain as normal a routine as possible regarding school activities. There may be a variety of reactions to the unforeseen loss of Brayden and reactions to loss do not have a timeline," Ben Ferny said.
Students and staff needing support have access to counselors as needed.
"If you feel you or your child are in need of support from one of our counselors, please do not hesitate to call the counseling center at your school," Ferney said.
Ferny expressed gratitude for first responders, YES Officers, nurses, teachers, counselors, staff, and administrative team.
"They acted quickly to render assistance to Brayden and offer support to students and staff closest to the situation." Ferny said.
GoFundMe campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/brayden-bahme
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