Mapleton teen working hard this Pioneer Day to honor friend killed in go-kart crash

MAPLETON, Utah (KUTV) — A 13-year-old boy in Mapleton is taking advantage of the Pioneer Day weekend to do something for his best friend.

By doing this, he hopes others will also benefit.

“He was a really, really good friend,” said Wyatt Alvey of his friend, Bridger Robison, also 13, who died last week in a crash while riding his go-kart. "He was always there for you."

It’s been hard for him to process the loss of his longtime friend and companion. But with a maturity beyond his years, he decided to do something to honor Bridger.

Wyatt and his parents have decided to open up their yard for parking on Pioneer Day, which sits right across the street from the Ira Allen Park in Mapleton where many people will gather to celebrate. People can pay $25 a car to park there during the festivities. Money raised will go to a scholarship fund set up by Bridger’s family.

It was all Wyatt’s idea.

“I just know Bridger would’ve done the same thing for me," Wyatt said, "and he’s my best friend."

Wyatt’s mother, Lacey Alvey, said she’s proud of her son who has to deal with this enormous loss.

“It’s been heartbreaking to know I can’t take that pain away from my son, knowing that his everyday routine is going to be changed forever,” she said, “because they called each other every day to hang out.”

She said they’re trying to be strong, move forward, and honor Bridger.

"Bridger holds a special place in Wyatt’s heart," Lacey Alvey said.

On Saturday, Wyatt's holiday will be different. Instead of playing, he'll be working to make sure the lot is filled. As he does that, he said, he’ll be thinking about Bridger and “how happy he would be if he was here.”

Added Wyatt, “he’s just a really great friend.”

Clearly, so is he.