歪歪漫画

BLACKDUCK 鈥� The McKean family was delivered a crushing blow that staggered a family and a community on May 27, 2023, when Madden McKean tragically died at 13 years old.

He fell off his bike two blocks away from his mother's house in Farmington, and according to police, Madden hit his head from the fall.

鈥淲e knew instantly that nothing would ever be the same,鈥� said Jenna, Madden鈥檚 aunt.

鈥淭he pain was unbearable,鈥� added Dick, Madden鈥檚 grandfather. 鈥淚t changed our lives forever.鈥�

While unprepared for such a grievous loss, the McKeans soon found out that Madden left a legacy that was already being felt throughout the community in Farmington, where he was enrolled in seventh grade.

It sparked the creation of the Madden McKean Foundation, which is now hosting the first annual Madden McKean Memorial Golf Tournament on Sept. 14 in Blackduck.

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The day kicks off with registration at noon. Golfers can buy mulligans and sign up for on-course games. The scramble gets underway with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

With 18 four-person teams lined up to play, golf registration is closed. Community members are encouraged to get involved by attending the Taco Bar at 5 p.m. at the Clubhouse. Meal tickets are $10 for kids and $15 for adults.

鈥淲e鈥檝e received such tremendous support from businesses, sponsors and golfers,鈥� Dick said. 鈥淚t was the same in Farmington. The outpouring of support has been incredible.鈥�

The course is also hosting duck races. The first-place winner will receive half the pot from the ducks sold, and second place will receive two General Admission tickets for the Midsummer Music Festival in Menahga in July 2025.

To RSVP for the duck race, call or text Jenna McKean Gross at (320) 249-6541 or email at jennagross0415@gmail.com. RSVPs with prepay can Venmo Cody Gross @Cody-Gross-21. Dinner tickets can be purchased at the door.

Madden鈥檚 dad, Joe, graduated from Blackduck High 歪歪漫画 in 2002. He watched his son join the Farmington Lutheran Church, where he found his faith home.

Madden was often heard sharing this piece of wisdom with friends. He drew his father to the church, where Joe also found acceptance and friendship among the congregation, especially the pastor in a renewal of his faith.

In sports, Madden was described as a perfect teammate, endlessly positive and supportive of others. As a classmate, he had the reputation of looking out for others, protecting kids from bullying, including the excluded and exchanging greetings and friendly words with kids whom others disregarded.

Madden鈥檚 example had already inspired others to be better, and his death brought forth the motivation throughout the Farmington community to live like Madden. Those three words became the McKean family鈥檚 mantra.

It was in this spirit that the Madden McKean Foundation was formed. In their initial grief, while still raw, the McKean family has aimed to find ways to live better.

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鈥淭he foundation is a way for us to carry on and to help kids better themselves through scholarships,鈥� Jenna said. 鈥淲e gave scholarships in both Farmington and Blackduck this year. They require an essay in which applicants describe how they live and will live like Madden, as a friend, a teammate and a person of faith.鈥�

Dick added the foundation provides opportunities for kids, including paying for basketball fees associated with participating on traveling teams.

Joe still coaches Madden鈥檚 sports teams and leads his confirmation class. He is a Young Life Leader with a group of young people that includes all of Madden鈥檚 friends.

鈥淚t has been such a struggle for Joe,鈥� Jenna said. 鈥淔or him to be able to do this through all his grief is just amazing to me.鈥�

For Jenna, Madden鈥檚 passing has given her strength in her faith.

鈥淚 always had faith, but now it is so strong,鈥� Jenna said. 鈥淚 trust in God. I trust that Madden is with the Lord. Now, I just want to be a good person and do things for others. It鈥檚 all that matters. I don鈥檛 care about the little, petty things anymore.

鈥淗olidays and events are just awful. He has left such a void in our lives. Still, I believe that God knows the number of days we have on earth and that we were all chosen to be in Madden鈥檚 life. I believe we will all be together again.鈥�

Cody, Madden鈥檚 uncle, and Jenna coach youth basketball and say that helping kids and trying to make a difference in their lives have given them purpose again.

In Farmington, the youth traveling basketball team has permanently retired Madden鈥檚 jersey, No. 30. The varsity high school team placed Madden鈥檚 jersey over a chair on the team鈥檚 bench throughout the season and throughout the state tournament at the Target Center and Williams Arena last winter.

Madden鈥檚 friends and teammates continue to live Madden鈥檚 life principles: to trust God and live generously.