Family of 11-year-old accidentally hanged thanks community for support


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EAGLE MOUNTAIN — The family of an 11-year old boy, who accidentally hanged himself over the weekend, said the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.

On Sunday, 11-year old Orion Gunderson accidentally hanged himself on a piece of exercise equipment.

Matt Gunderson, the boy's father, said Orion was using a home suspension trainer they had built in the basement, which included ropes and pulleys.

"That's all it was, just two ropes hanging and I guess he got them mixed up when he was doing a pull up," Matt said.

Orion's 9-year old brother desperately tried to save him, then went upstairs to tell their father something wasn't right.

Heather Gunderson said it was something they could never imagine happening.

"I'm always watching out for dangers so it's just shocking to all of a sudden happen to you," Heather said.

The Gunderson family, in the midst of their grief, shared their story not only to remember their son, but because they've been so touched by the love people have shown them.

"When we left the hospital, I didn't want to come home because, how do you come home to a home where your boy is not going to be again?" Heather said.


I'm always watching out for dangers so it's just shocking to all of a sudden happen to you.

–Heather Gunderson


However, when Heather and Matt Gunderson were welcomed home, they said they felt so much comfort.

Outside their house in Eagle Mountain, balloons and hearts decorated their yard.

Hearts were everywhere inside their home too.

"Immediately, I was just overcome and felt so much love," Heather said.

"It was overwhelming," Matt said.

The Gundersons have chosen to focus on memories of their oldest son, who was an avid BYU fan and who had dreams of playing football there someday.

"He always has a twinkle in his eye," Heather said. "He was funny. He was getting a sense of humor. He was coming into his own."

"He was loving, compassionate, handsome," Matt said.

They also wanted to thank a community that has come together to help carry the burden of loss.

"It takes the sting away and makes it bearable," Heather said.

Relatives are also trying to help the couple, who are expecting a baby in January. They have started a fundraising campaign to help with medical bills and the funeral. The information can be found here.


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