A Rock Springs family and community are devastated as they struggle to comprehend the loss of a son, nephew, friend, fellow student and athlete whose life ended way too early.
Bridger Healy, 12, was an outgoing pre-teen who played football, loved his family and, from outward appearances, enjoyed the life his family had after moving to the area from Utah three years ago.
“He was a giant teddy bear with a tender heart,” said Heidi Kay, Bridger’s aunt. “He loved the outdoors, he loved to hunt and fish, he loved to be outside camping with family. He loved playing games with family or anyone that would play a game with him.”
Bridger died on Sept 14. The Sweetwater County Coroner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as suicide.
Kay said her nephew was the type of kid who would do “anything for anyone” with a smile and made it a point to address people by their name.
He was outgoing, “making friends with people everywhere he went, even with complete strangers,” she said.
“The family is really struggling, not understanding ‘why’ has been really hard for them,” Kay said. “They lost a wonderful soul at 12 years old. It’s hard to bounce back from that.”
Sweetwater County School District 1 Superintendent Joseph Libby published a letter on the district’s Facebook page earlier this week addressing the loss.
“It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of one of our students today,” he wrote. “They were a beloved member of our educational community … a bright, kind, and spirited young individual who touched the lives of many with their presence.”
Bridger was born April 4, 2013, in Price, Utah. With his parents Dustin and Bailey Healy, and younger siblings he spent the first several years of his life in Orangeville, Utah.
Kay and family friends are sharing their pain and Bridger’s story in hopes it can inspire and help others.
As the biggest player on the team as a sixth-grader, Bridger Healy wore 99. His former coach said he took his responsibilities as a leader seriously. (Courtesy Healy Family) 
When Bridger Healy joined the Rock Springs youth football league, his former coach said he found him to be a kind young man, willing to do anything or anybody. (Courtesy Healy Family)
A Left Tackle
In Rock Springs, Brieger played left tackle on the school district’s seventh grade football team this year, but in the previous three years was a member of the Rock Springs Young American Football League team and was inspired by the Denver Broncos.
Rock Springs Young American Football League Secretary Jessica Posey said she and her husband Channing, president of the league, held a moment of silence for Bridger before a game this week. There was also a banner that read: “Healy Strong, Play for Bridger.”
She characterized the boy as a “cherished soul who departed far too early.”
Bridger’s former football coach and family friend, Jacob Terry said he met Bridger and his family when they moved to Rock Springs. Bridger became a member of the 9-to-12-year-old football league, where he played on the line.
Last year, Bridger wore No. 99 as the biggest member on the team and took a leadership role with the other players, Terry said.
“He was soft, he was gentle, he was kind. He would always be willing to help the next person out,” Terry said.
Terry said Bridger and his son played football together and were on the same Rock Springs Junior High seventh grade squad this year. He also coaches Bridger’s sister this year.
Playing For Bridger
At a playoff game this past week, Terry said he could tell that some of the older players who knew Bridger were affected by the tragedy.
So, he discussed with the youngsters that “metal health” is a thing and told them he was available to talk about their concerns. He then pointed out that Bridger’s sister was not there to play because of tragedy in the family.
“I was like, 'I know you guys notice that Nayvee is not here, she’s had a tragedy in her family,'” he said. “When we go into this playoff game, we are going to play for the Healys.
"That’s when we made the banner, and I got with Jessica and Channing and they really stepped up with some really cool ideas to honor Bridger.”
Terry said his son is having a hard time with Bridger’s death and “wishing he could have been a better friend.”
“They’re young, they’re just trying to navigate these emotions, too,” he said.
Kay said that Bridger was a “wonderful big brother” and that "he was a huge part of his siblings' lives.”
He leaves behind his parents and siblings Nayvee, 10, Lexee, 7, and Luke, 2. Other survivors include his grandparents, Lori and Terry Kay, of Huntington, Utah, Kellee Healy, of Emery, Utah, and Todd and Heidi Healy of Ferron, Utah.
His obituary at Mitchell Funeral Home states that he is also survived by a wide circle of extended family and friends who loved him dearly.
Kay said there have been several people reach out to do fundraisers to help support the family, that it’s much appreciated.
Bridger Healy loved the time he spent with his family, his aunt says. (Courtesy Healy Family) 
As the big brother, his aunt says Bridger Healy watched over his younger siblings. (Courtesy Healy Family)
Community Support
Among them are a T-shirt and hoodie fundraiser and a poster with a Venmo account fund to help with funeral expenses and other needs.
“It just really has let the family know how much they are loved in the community and how much Bridger impacted everyone he met,” Kay said.
Kay hopes that Bridger’s passing emphasizes the need for “kindness” to others because “we don’t know if what everyone is going through.”
She said she was not aware if Bridger had experienced any lack of kindness that may have contributed to his passing.
“That is one of the hardest things is that we just don’t know,” she said.
In his letter to the community, Libby wrote that the school district had counselors and support staff available.
“As we mourn this profound loss, or hearts go out to the family, friends, classmates and teachers,” he said. “There are no words that can truly capture the depth of this tragedy or the pain we feel as a community.”
A phone call to Libby’s office was not immediately returned.
A public viewing in Rock Springs for friends of Bridger and his family was set for Friday night from 6 - 8 p.m. at Fox Funeral Home, 2800 Commercial Way in Rock Springs.
“Bridger was a friend to everyone,” his aunt said. “So, with his passing everyone lost a friend.”
Dale Killingbeck can be reached at dale@cowboystatedaily.com.
