Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
ST. ANTHONY, Idaho — Many in the eastern Idaho community are sending donations, thoughts and prayers to the family of a 9-year-old "rough and tough cowboy with a big heart," who was tragically killed following a farming accident on Feb. 8.
Ryken Doc Miller died due to a traumatic brain injury after being accidentally backed over by a vehicle on Feb. 8, according to Madison County coroner Sam Butikofer.
"Doc was so loved, and his big smile touched so many lives in his short time here," says the GoFundMe.* As of Wednesday, the fundraiser had generated $3,450 of the $6,500 goal for the family.
According to his obituary, Miller was often addressed by loved ones as "Doc," many greeting him with a "What's Up, Doc?"
"His fascination with prehistoric creatures earned him the nickname 'Doc-A-Saur,' as he often was found imagining great dinosaur escapades while working alongside his family," says the obituary. "He was prepared for his imaginings, with pants full of pocket knives and a hatchet strapped to his belt, ready for whatever the day might bring."
A celebration of Ryken's life will be held with visitations for friends and family on Wednesday evening, Feb. 12, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday morning, Feb. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the Ashton Stake Center on 516 N. 2nd Street in Ashton.
The funeral will be on Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Ashton Stake Center. Services will also be streamed on the funeral home website.
The family asks that in honor of Ryken's "love for the farm and the cowboy way" guests wear boots and jeans, "just as Doc would have liked."
"Ride high, Cowboy. You will always be in our hearts," says the GoFundMe.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
