Texas Teen’s Post-Graduation Dream Trip Ends in Tragedy at Olympic National Park
What was meant to be the start of an epic journey for 18-year-old Grant Herridge — a recent high school graduate from Waco, Texas — ended in unimaginable heartbreak.
Just days after celebrating his graduation, Grant died in a tragic accident at Sol Duc Falls in Washington’s Olympic National Park on June 8, 2025, after falling from a 50-foot drop while exploring the area.
A graduate of Vanguard College Preparatory School, Grant had mapped out an ambitious road trip with a close friend to visit seven national parks across the western United States.
The adventure, long envisioned and deeply personal, was meant to mark the threshold of adulthood — a rite of passage into a world he couldn’t wait to explore.
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A Dream Trip Turned Tragic
The accident occurred during the early days of Grant’s trip. While hiking near Sol Duc Falls — a stunning yet perilous series of cascades known for their rugged beauty and slick rock faces — Grant reportedly slipped near the top of the waterfall. Witnesses said he briefly resurfaced below before the powerful current swept him beneath the surface, according to reports from PEOPLE.
What followed was a multi-agency search and rescue operation that continued into the next day. On June 9, the National Park Service confirmed that search teams had located a body matching Grant’s description, caught between the levels of the narrow, dangerous canyon below the falls.
Dangerous Terrain Hampers Recovery
Officials say the recovery operation has proven highly complex due to the extreme conditions of the canyon — just 7 to 8 feet wide in some places — and powerful snowmelt currents that make the area extremely hazardous. The location also features a downstream whirlpool and an additional waterfall, compounding the risks for rescue teams.
Specialized rope and swiftwater units made multiple attempts to recover Grant’s body, but efforts were temporarily suspended to protect the safety of all personnel involved. The National Park Service continues to monitor conditions and plans to resume the recovery when it is deemed safe and respectful to do so.
Remembering Grant: A Life Lived with Courage and Heart
Back home in Waco, the news has devastated the Herridge family and the broader community. Grant’s father, Brad Herridge — a pastor in the nearby city of Temple — shared heartfelt reflections on his son’s fearless approach to life.
“He lived fully and without hesitation,” Brad told KWTX News. “He wasn’t afraid of anything. He loved deeply, laughed loudly, and chased adventure every chance he got.”
Among Grant’s most prized possessions was a ring engraved with a quiet but profound message: “While we wait for life, life passes.” For his father, that simple phrase now captures the essence of who Grant was — someone who didn’t wait for life to happen but ran headfirst into every moment.
Community Support and Lasting Legacy
In a public tribute, Brad expressed gratitude for the first responders, friends, and even strangers who have supported the family through the tragedy.
“Grant was doing what he loved when this happened — hiking in the middle of God’s beautiful creation,” Brad said. “Now, we’ll honor him by living the way he did — fully, passionately, and with love.”
The National Park Service also extended appreciation to local emergency crews, including Clallam 2 Fire-Rescue, Forks Swiftwater, and Kitsap Search Dogs, for their role in the search and ongoing support.
A Bright Light Remembered
Grant Herridge may have only just begun his adult life, but his impact runs deep. Remembered as adventurous, kind, and joy-filled, Grant left behind more than memories — he left a challenge to those who knew him: to live courageously and love without limits.
As his family and community mourn, they also celebrate the brightness he brought into their lives — a light extinguished too soon but never forgotten. His spirit endures in every trail blazed, every risk taken in the name of wonder, and every life lived with the fullness Grant so clearly embraced.