PARK CITY, Utah – Hundreds gathered at a park Saturday to celebrate the life of 13-year-old Grant Seaver, who was one of two teens found dead in Park City this week.
Seaver and a friend were found dead just days apart, and while a cause of death has yet to be determined, police and school officials are warning the community about a deadly synthetic opioid called U-47700 or “pink”.
While the mood was somber at times during Saturday’s events, family and friends who spoke said they wanted to focus on the positive and find ways to uplift each other moving forward. Friends and loved ones spoke and gave musical tributes.
“I wrote this song a couple days ago after I heard,” one teen said. “It's probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do."
Grant’s aunt, Lisa Sippel, spoke to the media on behalf of the family and community.
“We're here today to celebrate the joy of Grant Seaver's life,” she said. “Grant was a happy boy who lived every minute of his short life to the fullest."
Seaver, a student at Treasure Mountain Junior High, was found dead Monday morning. Police believe he may have been experimenting with a new drug, potentially “pink”. Just two days after Grant’s death, his best friend, Ryan Ainsworth, was also found dead in his home.
“Tomorrow’s not promised, I really love you Grant,” another teen said at Saturday’s event.
Fighting to hold back tears, Seaver’s friends, teachers, coaches and family spoke of a boy who was always smiling, a boy who always looked to help others before himself.
"We'd really like to thank the amazing Park City community for all the love and support they've shown our family during this time,” Sippel said. “Thank you very much."
Those who attended the celebration of Seaver's life also planted a Maple tree in his memory at the park.
