Aberdeen, South Dakota Mayor Shares Heartwarming Tribute to Son

It is an unimaginable loss when parents lose a child. But to lose a child while running a thriving South Dakota city...the layers of pain could be overwhelming.

Late last week, Aberdeen, South Dakota Mayor Travis Schaunaman and his two children were involved in a paragliding accident. As a result, Mayor Travis and his 10-year-old daughter suffered "serious but non-life-threatening injuries." 8-year-old son Emerson Schaunaman tragically passed away.

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Our news partners at Dakota News Now provided the latest information in regards to the accident. Community leaders in Aberdeen and in the Sioux Empire shared their support and prayers to the Schaunaman Family during this difficult time. Even in times of struggle, Mayor Travis made recent statements of love, gratitude and resilience days after the accident.

Mayor Travis made one of the most beautiful Facebook tributes I've ever seen. Mayor Travis gave us a glimpse of one of the "smartest, funniest and most good natured" boys you could ever meet in South Dakota.

It's easy to see that family is at the heart of Mayor Travis' life. He loved his son Emerson and he was Mayor Travis' "ray of light."

I loved to spend time with him. He was a ray of light-and the thought of his face makes me smile even in my worst moments. He insisted I put him to bed every night and then wanted me to snuggle with him. His blanket still smells like him-I hope it never stops.
I don’t know if it’s possible to love anyone more than I loved him. He was taken too soon and the world is dimmer place. But he made me a better person for the rest of my days. Emerson was a believer in Jesus and loved his church group. I believe he went from doing what he loved with his dad and sister to being with Jesus in a moment without pain.

Not long after sharing the tribute, Mayor Travis gave Aberdeen residents a Facebook update on his health along with his daughter Isabella.

Isabella needed stitches and is moving well. Meanwhile, Mayor Travis is healing and will get his strength back over time. He gives so much credit to his daughter for her courage during the crash. She is the "bravest kid you could imagine" and why Mayor Travis is here.

To Mayor Travis and his family...the people in Sioux Falls and surrounding cities send our heartfelt condolences and prayers. We stand united with you.

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