Redmond Community Pays Tribute to Jackson Roos at Candlelight Vigil

Hundreds of people from the Redmond community gathered at Hartman Park on Monday to honor Jackson Roos, the 12-year-old boy who died in a zip-lining accident outside his home last week.

Friends and family remembered Jackson as an active, loving boy who lived life to the fullest and cherished his family. His father, Dr. Bryan Roos, said he was "humbled" by the outpouring of support toward the family.

"We knew he knew people, but we didn't know how many people he touched," Roos said.

Tanya Rusak, whose children have attended the same schools as the Roos family, said she and other parents felt compelled to hold a public memorial to give the Redmond community a "chance to heal and embrace each other."

"He was an amazing young man," Rusak said. "He really affected this community."

Bryan Roos said his family has found comfort in their faith and from the support of friends and others in the community. He asked those in attendance to lean on each other in their time of grief.

"Ultimately, we are all one big family," Roos said.

Jackson's funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Center on 172nd Avenue Northeast. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that gifts be donated toward a scholarship fund at Banner Bank in Redmond.

The Roos family also issued a statement (a PDF copy is attached to this gallery) on Monday. A Facebook page was established in Jackson's memory last week.