The Death of a Razorback: One Year Later

One year ago, a member of the Razorback family was taken.

One minute, 19-year-old Garrett Uekman was in his dorm room playing video games, the next, he was gone. Uekman died suddenly due to an enlarged heart, a condition neither he, nor his family, knew he suffered from.

"The last thing he said to each of us was, "I love you." And hugged each one of us and you know he was always very affectionate and of course that was how he always was. It's important the message that sudden death can happen to anyone. Young healthy athletes are not excluded from that," said Garrett's mother, Michelle Uekman.

And it's that very message that's become the Uekman family's mission, and in their eyes, their new found purpose in life.

Within one year, they've made tremendous strides in letting that message be heard.

In March, the Garrett Uekman Foundation was established, with Garrett's sister, Meagan, serving as the founder and president.

"I think it's everyone who's apart of this foundation's personal tribute to him. Because we all have a part in it. Everyone has a part," said Meagan.

In July, the foundation hosted it's first 7-on-7 flag football tournament with all proceeds going to heart disease research and awareness.

Just last month, the biggest achievement yet-- the foundation pledged $100,000 to establish the Garrett Uekman Memorial Athletic Scholarship.

"The Uekman family has been incredible. Their courage, their faith in God, has led them to give back and remember their son and their brother," said University of Arkansas Athletics Director, Jeff Long.

"I can't even say how big...it's huge. I still can't believe I signed it. It's a great thing. Forever and ever, Garrett will be a Razorback," said Meagan.

That signature marked the first time in University history, a scholarship was named in a player's honor.

With all they've accomplished over the past year, the Uekman's say while it does help the healing process, everyday brings a new battle.

"You worry about the future. All the things he won't be here for... and you can't live in the past." said Garrett's mother.

"I consider myself very lucky I got to talk to Garrett the night before, and the last words I told him was I loved him. I think there's a lot of people that understand that they need to do that more," said Garrett's father, Danny Uekman

The Uekman family, made one thing very clear-- if they can prevent even one heart-related death such as Garrett's in the future, all the efforts they've put forth over the last year will be a success.