Star students install memorial bench

A new memorial bench now stands at Freedom Park in Star, Idaho, serving as a permanent tribute to Jeffrey Shepp. The 14-year-old died in an accidental drowning at the park in May 2026. The bench was installed recently by students from Star Middle School who organized the project in his honor.

The initiative began shortly after the school returned from spring break. Student Council Adviser Jennifer Nelson said the incident was discussed during a classroom news circle. As the student council planned their annual service project, members voted unanimously to support Shepp's family. Nelson noted that the group wanted to show compassion despite not knowing Jeffrey personally.

Jeffrey did not attend Star Middle School and did not live in Star. His mother, Jennifer Strafella, described him as a teenager who loved football, wrestling, calisthenics, and the video game Fortnite. His sister, Brooklyn Shepp, said Jeffrey hoped to become a firefighter. Brooklyn remembered him as loud and funny, but also very smart.

Students partnered with the organization JustServe, Star Mayor Trevor Chadwick, and the City of Star to execute the plan. They held a schoolwide fundraiser to purchase the bench and a plaque for the park. The family was invited to provide input throughout the design and installation process.

A dedication ceremony marked the completion of the project. Students, teachers, family members, and friends gathered at Freedom Park. Attendees shared memories of Jeffrey and painted rocks with positive messages. These rocks were placed around the park area before the group walked to the newly installed bench.

Brooklyn suggested the rock-painting activity so that future visitors would have a way to continue honoring her brother. The memorial plaque includes a QR code that links to a slideshow about Jeffrey's life. The slideshow was created by Brooklyn to help people who never met him learn about his personality.

The family has begun decorating the area around the bench for the holidays. Jeffrey's interest in Halloween inspired the first decorations placed there this fall. The family plans to continue decorating the memorial throughout the year, including for Jeffrey's birthday on December 4.

While the memorial provides comfort, the family continues to advocate for better safety measures at the park. Strafella said there were no warning signs indicating a sudden change in water depth. She explained that the water dropped from two feet to 12 feet without notice. Jeffrey did not know how to swim and believed he was in shallow water when he entered.

Brooklyn said a sign might have prevented the accident. She stated that if Jeffrey had known the water was deep, he would have known how dangerous it could be. The family said the bench has changed their relationship with the park. Strafella said she once avoided the location because of the loss, but now she returns there because of the community's effort.