The saying “life is short” conveys the meaning of how delicate and precious life is.
Sadly for the Mecham family, they are experiencing just how short, delicate and precious life truly is after the death of Scott Mecham, 30, of Pocatello, last week from injuries suffered in a mountain bike accident.
On the evening of Sept. 12, Mecham ventured out on a bike ride with a friend on a network of trails just outside of Pocatello called the Matrix.
Mecham took a bad fall and suffered paralysis from the neck down due to his injuries.
He was airlifted via emergency helicopter from the scene to Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello and was then immediately flown to the University of Utah Hospital in Salt Lake City where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.
The injuries to his cervical spine required emergency surgery to help alleviate spinal swelling.
In the days following, healing was improving while Mecham was regaining some feeling and movement leaving his family hopeful that he could possibly recover.
Family, friends and the community were holding on to hope and offering prayers knowing well that spinal injuries are delicate and there was no way to adequately know the outcome this early on.
Mecham spent 13 days at the University of Utah Hospital before heaven called him home on Sept. 25.
Mecham was a decorated athlete originally from Rigby who still holds Idaho high school 4A classification record titles in the 300 meter hurdles. He continued his running career at Brigham Young University running the sixth best time in school history in the 400 meter hurdles and competing multiple times at NCAA and USA championship meets.
Mecham loved being outdoors whether it be hiking, biking, camping or rock climbing but his family was his everything.
His wife Cierra (Simmons) of Soda Springs was the love of his life along with their two young daughters.
He selflessly served as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and worked as a physical therapist.
The community along with family and friends are rallying to give Cierra and her girls comfort during this difficult time.
A number of efforts and fundraisers are being planned to help the Mechams while they face such a tragic trial.
Donations can be made via https://venmo.com/u/Cierra-Simmons-2.
Scott’s funeral will be held Friday at noon at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church building at 290 S. Third W. St. in Soda Springs. Viewings will also be held at that building on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Scott's full obituary can be found at https://www.simsfh.com/obituary/scott-mecham.
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