Bayden Martinez Remembered Fondly as a Happy, Caring Student
WPS Loses 11-Year-Old Student to Drowning Accident
Launch the media gallery 1 playerThe Wahoo Public School community is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of one of its own: 11-year-old Bayden Martinez.
Bayden died after getting his leg trapped in a 12-inch drainage tube in a spillway at Lake Wanahoo. He had left his home at about 5:00 p.m. last night to go fishing, and didn't return. An overnight search ended this morning with the tragic result.
"We have lots of kids and staff that are heartbroken by this tragedy," said WPS Superintendent Galen Boldt. "He was a delightful young boy, and one of the best big brothers anyone could ever imagine."
Grief counselors will be available at Wahoo Elementary on Thursday, June 14.
Bayden's funeral is scheduled for Monday, June 18 at the First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo (981 W. 15th Street). Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., and the funeral will follow at 1:00 p.m. Please click HERE to read the obituary posted on the funeral home's website.
Bayden just completed fifth grade, and was preparing for a new adventure in his transition to the middle school. He is fondly remembered by his fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Verna Rezac:
"Even though I only had Bayden in my classroom for one year, he deeply touched my heart. Things did not always come easily to Bayden, but he worked very hard to be successful at whatever we were doing. Bayden always kept going and never gave up. I don't think I saw him get frustrated at school once this year. He was always concerned about his classmates, and jumped up immediately to help out. His love for his brother, Juan, is something I will never forget. I have never seen someone so caring of a sibling. Bayden brought me a bouquet of flowers on the last teacher's workday. I have a feeling every yard between his house and school was missing a flower, but Bayden just wanted me to know he cared. I can truly say that I loved seeing Bayden and his smile everyday, and that is what I will remember."
A memorial fund has been established at Union Bank & Trust in Wahoo under his mother's name, Danelle Rush. Donated funds will be used to assist in paying funeral and other expenses.
Grief counselors will be available at Wahoo Elementary on Thursday, June 14.
Please keep Bayden's family in your thoughts and prayers.
Bayden Martinez Remembered Fondly as a Happy, Caring Student
Tracie Harris Wahoo | Jun 13, 2012 | Our families thoughts and prayers go out to Badens family! Our deepest sympathies! |
Connie Presley WahooOffice manager | Jun 13, 2012 | My thoughts and prayers are with his family , and friends. He was a smiley nice boy . His friendship meant a lot to my grandson Haydin and Benny . I am sure they will watch over his brother and sister as they know how much he would. Terrible thing to happen and end his life short. He is in heaven and my grandson says , they talked about Jesus and he was a christian ! He will be missed by all who knew or even saw him . |
Rebecca Stark Teacher at Wahoo Middle School | Jun 13, 2012 | I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy and that I won't ever know Bayden. My sincere condolences to his momma and his little brothers and sisters. Prayers for all who are feeling the loss of this little angel. |
Mrs. Simonsen | Jun 14, 2012 | No doubt one of those flowers for Mrs. Rezac's bouquet came from our yard, where he stopped to say hi every chance he got. Bayden was my student and neighbor this past year, and I will miss our daily chats on the front porch. My heart goes out to his little brother who lost a role model and best friend yesterday. |
| Carlena Molinacarlena_molina@yahoo.comCaliforniaunemplooyed | Jun 14, 2012 | I am so sorry to hear about Bayden. My grandson was very good friends with him and they played a lot together. This is very tragic to have this happen in this small community. My heart goes out to the family and friends of this little boy. I will be praying that GOD will give everyone peace and comfort to know that he is resting in his arms now. |