Athletes to compete in memorial tournament to honor 13-year-old killed in Washington County crash

CORAOPOLIS, Pa. — Family and friends of Jayden Anderson are planning to honor his memory with a wrestling tournament Sunday at The Greater Pittsburgh Sports Complex in Coraopolis.

Anderson was just 13 years old when he was killed in a car crash in April 2022.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 13-year-old boy killed in crash in West Pike Run Township

He was a four-sport athlete but his mom remembers him as a gentle giant with a heart as big as his 6-foot frame.

“It’s very hard to explain what parents go through unless you’ve been through it and I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,” mom Heather Laidella said.

Sunday’s tournament will kick off a scholarship fund to help send seniors to college and benefit local sports programs in need.

“We put tournaments on every year and, since this happened, [...] it was always a goal to put on the Jayden Anderson Memorial Tournament,” Randy Mort said. He coached Jayden at Phoenix Wrestling Club.

It’s a fitting tribute to a teenager who loved sports and spreading kindness.

“I want [the tournament] to get as big as he was and his heart was,” Heather said.

11 News learned that 10% of revenue is earmarked for the scholarship fund. So far, more than 250 wrestlers have signed up.

Registration is still open through 6 p.m. Saturday. You can find more information here.

There is also merchandise for sale. $5 from each purchase will go to the scholarship fund.

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