Big Sandy, Tenn.–A bridge on Hwy. 69 in Big Sandy has been named in honor of Jaylen Christopher, a 16-year-old student at Big Sandy who drowned last summer in Arizona.
Benton County Mayor Brett Lashlee said he was thankful for the efforts of Rep. Bruce Griffey in honoring the memory of Jaylen Christopher” by naming the bridge on the south side of Big Sandy after “that fine young man.”
Lashlee noted, “Jaylen touched the hearts of many and left an lasting impression on his classmates and his community. Our prayers and thoughts are still with his family long after his untimely passing. I am grateful to have been able to witness and participate in todays ceremony.”
Christopher’s family and friends were on hand for the ceremony. His mother is Amie Ballard of Camden and his father is Raphael Smith of Washington State.
Christopher was a star basketball player at Big Sandy and a large crowd gathered for a prayer vigil for him and his family in June of 2021.
Photo: State Rep. Bruce Griffey, left, presents a state resolution for Jaylen Christopher to his family members while County Mayor Brett Lashlee, top, looks on at Wednesday’s ceremony.