Womenz Magazine

Tragic Loss of Autistic Teen Sparks Calls for Safer Public Ponds

Sam Creel
Photo by Sam Creel's Family/GoFundMe

Ogden, Jan 31, 2025 — The heartbreaking loss of 14-year-old Sam Creel, an autistic teen, has prompted urgent calls for increased safety measures around Utah’s public ponds. Sam drowned in Glasmann Pond on January 27, 2025, after venturing out to fish with a friend his parents did not know.

Sam’s parents, Liana Larsen and Nathan Gidley, are now speaking out to prevent similar tragedies. On the morning of January 27, Sam and his friend went fishing at Glasmann Pond. Normally communicative about his plans, Sam did not inform his parents of his whereabouts that day. Tragically, the boys fell through the ice and drowned. Both were found two hours later and airlifted to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, where Sam was pronounced dead.

In the aftermath, Larsen and Gidley visited Glasmann Pond to retrace Sam’s steps and advocate for better safety protocols. “We lost our little boy last night,” Gidley said, expressing his devastation. “He didn’t tell us where he was going. He told grandpa that he was going to a friend’s house but that wasn’t where he was going. He always came home.”

Larsen echoed her husband’s grief, stating to KUTV, “I’m going to miss him so much.” The family has had to postpone their holiday celebrations, leaving behind a “whole bag of presents that we missed for him to open.”

Sam’s aspiration to become a police officer highlighted his desire to help others. “He was so smart. Always just pulling in information, whether it was a device, or a computer or school — asking questions. He wanted to help people. He wanted to be a cop so he could help people,” Gidley shared.

Authorities are investigating the incident, noting that Sam could not swim, which likely contributed to his inability to survive the ordeal. A local resident reported witnessing the incident, stating, “I yelled for the teens to get off the ice because of the danger.”

The parents are urging city officials to implement more stringent safety measures around ponds. Larsen suggested, “Signs [that say] ‘Do not go out on the ice.’” They believe that visible warnings could have prevented their son’s tragic death.

In response to the community’s outcry, several fundraising efforts have been launched to support the family during this unimaginable time. Platforms like Spotfund and GoFundMe have set up fundraisers to help cover funeral expenses and provide emotional support.

The loss of Sam Creel has shed light on the vulnerabilities faced by families with autistic children, particularly regarding safety and supervision. Mental health advocates are joining the call for better infrastructure and public awareness to ensure such accidents are avoided in the future.

As the community mourns, Larsen and Gidley remain determined to honor their son’s memory by pushing for the changes needed to protect other families. Their plea for safer public spaces underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent further loss and ensure the safety of all children in Utah.

The tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and support for vulnerable populations, highlighting the critical role of community and governmental responsibility in safeguarding lives.

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