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MOAB — The untimely death of a Grand County High School sophomore last Saturday just days before the start of the school year has left many in the Moab community saddened and stunned.
Instead of taking Sam Woodruff to get his driver license permit and sign up for school this week, his mother and grandmother have been making arrangements for the boy's funeral.
Shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, Woodruff, 15, was found dead in the bathroom at his Moab home by his mother, Merry Woodruff, and his adoptive grandmother, Sandi Roedel. The mother and grandmother called 911 when they couldn't get Sam to respond from behind the locked door. Police and emergency responders arrived within minutes of the call, but were unable to revive the teen.
Woodruff had apparently been preparing to take a bath, as he often did to relax, when he slumped over into the tub, his mother said. There were no signs of trauma or struggle, she said.
"I think his heart just gave out on him," said Merry Woodruff, adding that an autopsy was performed, which she hopes will shed some light on what happened. The autopsy results are expected within a couple of months, she said.
Sam Woodruff, who was listed as a 6-foot-2, 230-pound lineman for the Grand County Red Devil football team, had participated in football practice the night before and on Saturday morning, and was getting ready to head back to another practice on Saturday evening when he passed away, according to his mother.
Within hours of Woodruff's death, the news had spread throughout the Moab community via Facebook, cell phone texts, and other media. Students organized a candlelight vigil that took place Sunday evening at the high school football field. At least 200 people attended the event, including family members, friends, and football teammates.
The football team has dedicated this year's football season in honor of their fallen teammate. The Red Devils plan to wear stickers bearing Woodruff's "62" uniform number on their helmets, said head coach Dennis Wells.
Woodruff was remembered and praised for his work ethic, friendliness, and positive attitude. Even though he was an only child raised by a single mother, Woodruff is survived by many members of his extended family, both blood relatives and adoptive, all of whom loved and cherished him, Merry Woodruff said.
Woodruff's funeral is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday Aug. 16, at the Grand County High School auditorium.
The Red Devils are scheduled to play a "Red and White" scrimmage football game on Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. Coach Wells said donations will be collected at that game to help Woodruff's family pay for funeral expenses. Instead of practicing Saturday morning, the team also plans to pull weeds and perform other service at the cemetery to help cover the cost of the burial plot, the coach said.
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