Teen remembered for smile, influence on others
May 29, 2018, 5:33 PM | Updated: May 30, 2018, 10:16 pm
GARLAND, Utah – Tuesday at Bear River High School was for many a day of somber reflection. Head Football Coach Chris Wise says students in the halls could be heard sharing their positive memories of Judd Miller, 18.
Judd Miller, 18, drowned May 25, 2018
“I think you would be hard-pressed to find anyone in this school that didn’t have a Judd Miller story, where he had helped them in some way,” Wise said. “He was just one of those natural leaders that coaches hope for.”
Miller drowned on Friday, after jumping from a cliff into Hyrum Reservoir. He was set to graduate this week and leave for a mission to Mexico with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in July. In the meantime, Wise says Miller planned on helping coach.
“He was one of the most generous in teaching underclassmen what they needed to do, both in life and football,” Wise said. “When you have a loss like this one, it affects everybody.”
Coach Chris Wise
Wise says Miller played defensive back for the varsity football team, and that he did it well.
“He clinched more than one game for us at the end when teams were trying to pass and score,” Wise recalled. “He came up big in big situations.”
Wise, who says he knew Miller through Miller’s whole life, says he always kept a positive attitude.
Judd Miller with the Iron Bear award.
“That’s the kind of kid he was. Always with a smile,” Wise said. “He was one of the most disciplined kids I’ve met. He was raised to be that way. His family is very strong.”
Miller was recently awarded The Iron Bear, which Wise says is given to students who maintain excellent athletic shape. It’s an award that Wise also says will from now on carry Miller’s name and be known as the Judd Miller Iron Bear.
Funeral services for Miller are set for Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Garland Tabernacle.
