By Laine Mitchell (Twitter: @Laine_Mitchell)

Memorial planned for Drayton Valley teen killed in suspected carbon monoxide poisoning

Jun 6, 2018 | 9:30 AM

The family of a Drayton Valley teen who lost his life in a tragic accident last year has received approval to erect a sculpture at a spot the teen treasured in life.

17-year-old Gage Bogart was found unconscious in an idling vehicle alongside 16-year-old Shaina Ridenour in December 2017. Ridenour was pronounced deceased at the Drayton Valley hospital while Bogart was airlifted to an Edmonton hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries days later.

Mounties said the official cause of the teens’ deaths was never determined, however an inspection of the vehicle revealed a faulty part that may have caused exhaust fumes to enter the car. 

On Wednesday, Drayton Valley town council approved the family’s request to build the memorial artform, with fundraising for the cost of the structure to commence shortly. 

In a letter written by Bogart’s mother to council, Wendy Swap spoke of her son’s love for the 4-S skate park and his passion for BMX biking. 

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“Year after year he spent countless hours there, practicing his tricks, biking with friends but also helping others. I can’t tell you how many kids parents have told me how much their child looked up to Gage,” Swap wrote. 

Swap went on to say that there is nothing Gage would have loved more than to be a permanent part of the skate park even in death, adding that it would be a true honour.

The motion was brought to council due to elements of the sculpture needing approval for its overall design, the building of it within the boundaries of the Discovery Park and the need of the Town to cover costs of installation, which will be approximately $1,000. A plaque will also be fastened to the structure. 

The steel and aluminum artform will be based off a photo taken of Bogart at the skate park, and is planned to be installed adjacent to the park.