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Keith McCord ReportingIt's been just over four months since 11-year-old Samuel Ives was attacked and killed by a black bear in American Fork Canyon. Today his family and friends came together to remember the young boy, whose life ended much too soon.
His grandmother, Sharon Ives, said, "He loved to do, he loved life. He was just always busy, and he'd be the first one to come to this park and enjoy it."
Many were affected by the death of Sam Ives, and those who knew him best wanted people to remember him, so 14 of his closest friends came up with the idea for a memorial.
Family friend Marbe Campbell said, "It has really helped the boys. As they have gotten together on a regular basis and got a chance to talk about Sam, they've kind of done their own therapy."
The city heard of the boys' plan and donated a pavilion now called "Sam's Grove." They also planted 11 sweet gum trees, one for every year of Sam's life.
"I hope they take away that it doesn't matter how long you are on earth. It's how you live your life that matters," Sharon Ives said.
Sam is the first known Utahn in history to be killed by a black bear.
