Local group hosting 20-hour run, walk memorial in memory of 20-year-old Blackfoot woman

BLACKFOOT — After a 20-year-old Blackfoot woman recently died unexpectedly, a local group decided to host an event in memory of her and to show support to those who have lost a loved one in early adulthood.

Abigail Thornley, 20, was killed in a two-vehicle crash on July 27, 2024. Her father, John Thornley, told EastIdahoNews.com she was headed to work at La Beau’s in Garden City, Utah, when the tragedy happened.

Abigail’s family describes her as a “genuine bundle of joy” and someone who had a passion for theatre and singing.

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“She had an adventurous, creative soul and a kind spirit. She had a singing voice that was meant to be heard. She had the ability to take all of her amazing, fun loving traits, and expose it to all as she would perform,” John explained. “She was happy and wanted everyone else to be happy. She loved to laugh and to make others share the laughter.”

Jeff Fullmer, an Ammon City councilman and founder of the Idaho Falls Trail Runners — a running group which John is part of –, said after Abigail’s death, members of the group asked Fullmer how they could help the Thornley family.

“We wanted to do something that was meaningful for him and for his family,” Fullmer said. “And the secondary part of that was realizing that everybody knows somebody that has died in early adulthood that has just turned 18 or close to turning 18 (and) just starting out their life and they have something tragic happen.”

The Idaho Falls Trail Runners, which is in the process of being turned into a nonprofit organization, is putting on a fundraiser called “Circles of Love.” The run and walk memorial event will be held Sept. 13 beginning at 7 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Sept. 14. It will take place at Jensen Grove Park, located at 733-793 East Airport Road in Blackfoot.

The event runs for 20 hours to represent the 20 years of life that Abigail lived. The distance is 1.8 miles per lap around Jensen Grove Lake to represent those who have died in early adulthood near the age of 18.

“People can come do the full 20 hours. We have about five or six people committed to attempting that, (but) anybody can come at anytime,” Fullmer explained. “We have some people signed up to come in the middle of the night to start theirs. We have others wanting to be there at the beginning to run or walk for a couple hours.”

R&D Wholesale Nursery in Idaho Falls sold a tree to the group at cost and a family covered the expense of it. The tree will be planted at the park during the event in memory of Abigail. Fullmer expressed his gratitude for the city of Blackfoot in helping make the event possible and allowing the tree be planted.

Food and drinks will be available. The event is free but donations are welcome. The donations received will go to fund the event, and the remaining amount, per the Thornley’s request, will be given to the Blackfoot High School Drama Department.

“Blackfoot High School Drama was a huge part of her life (and) our families life. Having leaders like Sharron Hoge, Chris Dunbar and Jacob Spjute (and) so many more, helped mold Abigail’s dreams into reality,” John stated. “People have been so selfless and generous, it just didn’t feel right to let people keep giving to us. So we thought, what better place to benefit than the place that helped bring so much music and joy into our home.”

Fullmer hopes this event will bring the community together and provide healing to those suffering the loss of a loved one.

“Not everyone knows Abby, but I think everybody knows someone who has passed on in early adulthood,” Fullmer mentioned. “Everyone can connect with loss.”

To sign up for the event, volunteer at it or make a monetary donation, click here or visit the event’s Facebook page.