“Lot of Things Have Changed”: A Year After 17-Year-Old Surfer’s Saddening Fate, Tightly-Knit Community Remembers His Memory

Surfing is not limited to the dangerous waves of the ocean; it also takes place in other water bodies, such as river parks. However, this does not make the surfer immune to the risks inherent in the activity. Ben Murphy, 17, from Bend, Oregon, died in a tragic accident at the Bend Whitewater Park last year leading to a thorough investigation of the circumstances of his death. Murphy’s ankle became caught in a slit in the underwater gates that regulate the wave’s form, and his leash got tangled up with them, making it difficult for him to free himself.

A recent report on the event was published, even though the incident happened a year ago, on April 30, 2022. On the one-year anniversary of Murphy’s death, local surfers gathered at the spot where he passed away to pay their respects to him.

The gathering of the local surfing community

New signs and information boards have been installed throughout Whitewater Park, providing directions and surfing advice. The popular park was built in 2015 and has free helmet and flotation vest rentals in addition to new regulations prohibiting surf leashes. There was a line of local surfers out on the rocks beside the wave, waiting for their chance to carve some turns. Each surfer entered the sea with a cheer for their fallen colleague and words of encouragement, reports The Bulletin.

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Austin Fernand, a local student, recalls his fallen friend as he says, “I love the memorial they put in. With Ben’s death, a lot of things have changed here for the better, which is really great.” He also discusses how the park as a whole has evolved after Murphy’s passing. The monument erected in the boy’s honor is also mentioned. Another community member, who goes by Stephen Bognar, mentions how united everyone has been, saying, “There is an awesome sense of community; everyone is watching out for each other. That is one of the things I like most about the wave is this sense of community.”

The executive director of the park district, Don Horton, also mentions, “It’s a risky sport but as long as we teach newcomers the dangers of river surfing and what to expect, I think we won’t have any issues.” Horton adds that the park is safe because of the excellent security system and the dedicated staff who are in charge of it. The rescue crew is prepared for any eventuality, and they refuse to let the water steal another young surfer from the world.

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