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MT. PLEASANT, Sanpete County — A 14-year-old Boy Scout died Tuesday night after he was run over by a truck and trailer collecting garbage at a Scout camp.
Bruce Rhiddlehoover from Cedar Hills was performing a nightly duty of going around Tifie Scout Camp at Mountain Dell Scout Ranch and picking up trash when he fell under a trailer about 8 p.m., said Utah National Parks Council Scout Executive David Pack.
"He slipped and fell underneath the tires of the trailer that was carrying the trash," he said.
According to scout officials, the driver of the truck is actually a first aid instructor at the camp. The man is not being cited for the accident.
Pack was with Rhiddlehoover's parents Tuesday night when they were informed of the tragedy. He said their LDS ward is providing support and the family's bishop and Relief Society president were with them Tuesday night. The Scout has several brothers and sisters who live outside of Utah who were expected to be notified of the incident Wednesday.
An estimated 400 to 500 Scouts were at the weeklong summer camp. Grief counselors arrived Wednesday. The camp has been running camps for about a month. Pack said despite the tragedy, the summer camp will continue.
"Scouts are Scouts and they are prepared to do what needs to be done. Camp staff are prepared to continue on and provide great service," he said.
Rhiddlehoover was a counselor-in-training, hoping to become a camp staff member when he was old enough. He reportedly had been there for several weeks.
"This young man is a great Scout. He donates his time for a few weeks in the summer to come and give service to the other young men who are participants in the Scout camp program and help teach them and do those jobs that a camp staff member would do," Pack said.
This young man is a great Scout. He donates his time for a few weeks in the summer to come and give service to the other young men who are participants in the Scout camp program.
–David Pack, Utah National Parks Council Scout Executive
Rhiddlehoover was better known by friends and family as "Rocky," and was never able to shake the nickname even though neighbors said that he tried.
"They were watching "Rocky" and they thought that fit the mold because he was big and strong," said neighbor Paul Hollingshead.
Rhiddlehoover was remembered by neighbors as a goofy teenager with a kind heart and a strong desire to serve others. A church member described a time when Rhiddlehoover helped pay for a girl's cancer treatment.
"He took three years of his allowance earnings and he contributed that to the project to help so I think that's a reflection of how he thinks about things," said church member, Dan Gallup.
Rocky was entering into the 9th grade at Mountain Ridge Jr High. He played the trumpet and loved science and math. However, one of his greatest passions was being a Boy Scout.
"We are really saddened with his passing. Our hearts go out to his family," added Tifie spokesman John Galey.
Rhiddlehoover was remembered by neighbors as a goofy teenager with a kind heart and a strong desire to serve others.
Amy Wengreen, a mother of another 14-year-old boy in the counselor-in-training program, drove to the camp Wednesday after receiving a phone call from her son. She fought tears as she waited for him in the parking lot.
"As a mom you just want to hug your kid, so that's why I'm here," she said.
Wengreen wasn't sure how well her son knew the deceased teen, but it was clear from his phone call that he was struggling after the accident. She went to the camp to offer support, and said she would let her son decided whether he wanted to stay.
"He had a hard time catching his words, and instantly I knew something was wrong," Wengreen said. "I think he wants to stay and be here with everyone, which I think is good … He just said everyone has been together and hugging each other and trying to work through it."
Rhiddlehoover's funeral has been scheduled for Monday at the Bay Hill LDS Church. Twelve of his siblings who live in Arkansas are flying into Utah for the funeral.
A memorial account has been set up at Mountain America Credit Union.* Funds will be used to complete Rocky's Eagle Scout Project.
Contributing: Richard Piatt, Peter Samore and Devon Dolan
*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
