Cries of Grief Echo across the Caldera

Two tragedies rocked Island Park last week. Thursday evening Ronald “RJ” Cardwell was killed when the Jeep he was driving south on Highway 20 near Riverside Campground crossed the center line and was struck by an oncoming semi-truck.

RJ was the owner of Pond’s Lodge. He purchased the iconic property and undertook the enormous project of updating the business. During a time when many of the aging log commercial buildings have been abandoned and left to rot, RJ threw himself into making the Pond’s Lodge into a modern and attractive business. The enormous Pine Tree adorned with Christmas lights that stands in front of Pond’s is a reminder of the gift that RJ left to the caldera. He will be missed but his mark on the community will endure.

Less than 24 hours later the roof of a cabin located on the north side of the Henry’s Fork at Mack’s Inn slid, trapping three young girls. The two 7 year old children and a two year old were buried under seven feet of snow. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene and assisted family members in digging out the children. All three were unconscious when uncovered, stabilized and flown to local hospitals. The two-year-old Halle Merrill succumbed to her injuries despite the efforts of all involved. Halle’s sister and cousin were hospitalized at EIRMC’s pediatric unit.

The weight of this tragedy was born by residents throughout Island Park. The joy of a snowy vacation at grandpa’s cabin suddenly turning into the horrific loss of one’s baby in the blink of an eye is everyone’s worst nightmare. As the Merrill family copes with their reality, it breaks our collective heart. A FUNDLY page has been set up to help the parents, Chris and Cindy Merrill with the costs of this tragedy. It can be accessed at: https://fundly.com/halle-merrill#.

It is the hope of Sheri and me those who are grieving may find comfort in some small way by the love and prayers of those who reside in Island Park.