Pastor's 18-Year-Old Son Dies During High School Graduation Trip with a Friend

Before the fall that changed everything, Grant Herridge was mapping out the road trip of a lifetime — a seven-park journey with his best friend, a camera roll full of dreams, and a future at Baylor University just months away.

What began as a long-dreamed adventure to celebrate high school graduation ended in tragedy when Grant Herridge died after falling over a 50-foot waterfall at Olympic National Park in Washington state on June 8, 2025.

The 18-year-old was a recent graduate of Vanguard College Preparatory in Waco, Texas, and was visiting the park with a friend as part of a long-planned adventure to tour seven national parks across the country. His family said it was a trip he had dreamed of for years.

Search and rescue teams launched a large-scale operation shortly after the fall. Witnesses reported that Grant slipped while walking across rocks at the top of Sol Duc Falls, briefly resurfaced at the bottom, and then disappeared beneath the rushing water.

A body matching his description was located late on June 9, 2025, pinned between the first and second tiers of the waterfall. It was found completely submerged, and authorities believe it to be Grant.

Swiftwater and rope rescue teams from Olympic National Park, along with multiple local agencies, immediately launched a large-scale search.

But, in extreme conditions like the narrow canyon walls just 7 to 8 feet wide, strong currents from rapid snowmelt, vertical cliffs, and downstream hazards such as a second waterfall and whirlpool, teams have not yet been able to retrieve the body safely.

Last week, trained responders were lowered into the narrow canyon to recover the body, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Park rangers continue to monitor the area and will resume operations as soon as river conditions are safe.

According to park officials, the park’s priority is to complete this recovery as soon as conditions allow safely.

Olympic National Park thanked the many agencies involved in the response, including Forks Ambulance, Forks Swiftwater, Olympic Ambulance, Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue, the Port Townsend and Sequim Police Departments, the Clallam County Sheriff's Office, and Kitsap Search Dogs.

Back in Texas, Grant's death has shaken his family and the Waco community. His father, Brad Herridge, also a pastor in Temple, described his son as a passionate and fearless young man who lived fully.

"He loved doing exciting, fun things. He lived life without anxiety and he lived life to its fullest," Brad told KWTX.

Brad also shared a meaningful detail about a ring Grant always wore that perfectly captured his son’s approach to life:

"The reason he got the ring was because of the saying inscribed on it: 'While we wait for life, life passes.'"

In a tribute, Vanguard College Preparatory shared its deep sorrow over Grant's passing, describing him as "a bright light, full of kindness, humor, and warmth." The message offers prayers and strength to everyone who loved him during this unimaginable time.

Waco Montessori School, where he once studied, also expressed deep sorrow, mourning the loss of "our former student… a member of our 2019 graduating class."

Brad also shared a message of thanks to the many people who have supported their family through this heartbreaking time:

"Thank you for all of your prayers and support. Grant was doing what he loved, hiking through Olympic National Park, and had a tragic accident. He was always so full of life and we are going to honor him by living life to the fullest in the future"

Meanwhile, before his unfortunate passing, Grant was preparing to attend Baylor University in the fall, following in the footsteps of both his parents, Mary and Brad.

In his memory, Baylor has established the Grant Herridge Memorial Scholarship.

A visitation for Grant was held on Wednesday at Baylor University's Hurd Welcome Center, and his memorial service is scheduled for Friday, June 20, 2025, in Waco.

As loved ones gather to remember Grant Herridge, they do so not only to mourn his tragic loss but to celebrate the vibrant and fearless life he lived. Though his time was far too short, the joy, kindness, and sense of adventure he brought into the world have left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.