The late Keith Stemley was a young resident of Washington state, and his untimely passing has left his family and community in deep mourning. Keith was only 19 years old and a graduate of Mariner High School, class of 2022. On May 19, 2024, a tragic hiking accident at the Granite Falls Fish Ladder near the Mountain Loop Highway claimed his life. Keith had ventured out to a rocky area to get a better view of the river when he fell off the smooth rocks into the water. His body was recovered by search and rescue teams on June 1, 2024.
Keith’s mother, Joshika Rayfield, has organized a fundraiser to help cover the overwhelming financial burden of his funeral and memorial services. The GoFundMe campaign titled "Honoring Keith Stemley: A Call for Support" aims to raise $20,000. As of now, only $50 has been raised from a single donation by Keoka Jenkins.
Joshika expressed her profound grief and the significant impact Keith’s death has had on their family. "I can’t express the pain and the hurt that I feel inside. Keith was truly kind, giving, and loving. All of his family and friends speak highly of him. His loss has left a void in our family that words can’t express," she shared on the fundraiser page. She also highlighted the financial strain they are facing, asking the community for support to give Keith the farewell he deserves.
Friends and community members have also expressed their sorrow and offered prayers for Keith’s family. Tara Thomas posted on Facebook, "Please send up prayers for my other side of the family please come home lil Keith Leesh Footballmom Stemley and Keith." Another friend, Leesh Footballmom Stemley, requested prayers for Joshika, writing, "Pray for his mom Joshika Rayfield plz!!!" Jane Washington simply stated, "Mercy lord," reflecting the community’s collective grief.
The fundraiser is a call for collective support in a time of unimaginable loss. The family deeply appreciates any help they can receive during this challenging period.
Note:This post was written and edited by Audrey Scott, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.