when we went to winter camp 2024 or 2023 9th grade small group was ding dong diching the cabins we finally had inuff and when they knocked again we anand takled all of them eli or hellman because of all the elis at chuch had a big tackle with a kid named mathew o loved eli like a brother even though i already had 4 during 2025 i did some bad things i got kicked out of youth and yelled and cursed at my parents but then i think of eli and i want to be like him when i grow up i lived him and i love the hellman family

We met Elijah when Austin and I joined the rooted youth group. we both were so encouraged by him, it was so obvious the Lord was working through this young man. I can hear his sweet voice saying “Hey Uncle Austin you need help with anything?” or “Hey Aunt Chelsey do you know where Uncle Austin is?” haha before Garrett and Katherine got married he was so excited to call us that and it warmed my heart for him to feel that closeness with us. 
I remember driving up to Brian Head and needing chains on our van and we had all the guys in our car. Elijah was one of the guys that was so quick to jump out and help with the chains. i loved hearing their laughter and their conversations, we drove him up to camp a couple times and every time i remember him wanting to talk about godly things, what a joy and blessing it was to know him. Our prayers are for you all. 
in Christ
-Chelsey Wilhite

I just met Eli for the first time over the summer in 2024 as we prepared for VBS. I was teaching/leading a class for the first time and Eli was assigned as one of my helpers. It turned out I was about 10 weeks pregnant during that time and it was very hot the week of VBS. I wasn't feeling well, and I was very tired, and scatterbrained. I was also drinking water constantly, but would often leave behind my water bottle as I was focused on our schedule and making sure the kids were all following behind. Every single time Eli grabbed my water bottle for me. It seems like a small thing, but meant so much to me! He was attentive and jumped in exactly where needed. He showed Jesus to me, but also to the students in our class. He helped them memorize verses, and comprehend the material. He also played hard with them during games and worship rally. I was honored to know him and have him as a colaborer for Christ.

Elijah was always the one looking out for others. I remember trying to build a small igloo structure in the snow. I had a hard time doing it. Elijah saw me and jumped in to help me. He didn’t run off with the other guys his age, but instead saw that something meaningless was special to me and he took the time to help me. He was always caring for others and when he helped you, he never made you feel bad for needing his help. He would just set aside what he was doing and help you. His love for God was seen in the way he served others and always pointed us to Christ. I will always remember his warm smile.

My favorite memory of Elijah is from a winter camp some years ago. The trip was ending and it was the last day. There was looming tension as the the points for camp teams were being tallied and the winner was soon announced. I was upstairs messing around with some other boys jokingly trash-talking the other team, while Elijah was downstairs cleaning. While we were all messing around laughing at the memories from camp, Elijah plugged away scrubbing toilets, picking up trash, stacking chairs, and loading the trailer. After about an hour it was time for the winning team to be announced. All of the kids sat down eagerly awaiting the decision, and the winner was….. Blue team. They had won because, although they scored lower their teammate Elijah had cleaned up most of the camp.  This seemingly random story was a perfect representation of Elijah in my life. While I was messing around, he served others and carried their burdens. He lived life constantly looking up and out, up towards God and out towards others. Elijah was the first guy to take the trash out, and the first guy to text, and ask how you were doing spiritually. He had such immense joy in the Lord and sought to share and spread that joy everywhere.  Love you man.

Sweet Charissa,
Elijah’s smile will never be forgotten. He was always so kind and helpful at church and such a great example to those around him.  His good work ethic and love for God and God’s people was always on full display. He will be missed dearly. 
Love,
The Whites

I was talking with Simon last night, and he reminded me of this sweet memory of Elijah: “Elijah was one of my heroes! Even as a little boy, Jesus was always first. When we helped your family move into your new house, Elijah was running around with his great big smile having so much fun! He met the little boy who lived next door and they ran around together. Simon overheard Elijah ask his new friend, “Do you know Jesus?” Elijah then ran into the house, grabbed his Bible, and handed it to his new friend. Simon has always remembered this, and I love remembering it, too. Elijah was a little boy with a huge heart and love for Jesus and people!”

I couldn’t find any photos but I can tell you that after your visit with us, since Elijah and you all were such a joy to be around, my extremely introverted son who’s about his age was trying to figure out how to get you guys to move close to us. Love and peace to you, my friend.

Elijah, we miss you. We are so thankful for years that we had with you and for the example you were of a young man who loved Jesus. Heaven seems so much sweeter and closer knowing that you are waiting for us. We love you so much! Uncle Nate, Aunt Amy, and Tucker

I was watching the videos of Nick Nunez teaching Elijah to snowboard at winter camp (January 2024) and was struck by the memory his tenacity, joy, and zest for life. Nick said he never complained even though it was very cold and he kept falling. He also said he always got up with with that characteristic Elijah smile, which you can see so clearly in the videos.

Heavenly Father, I come before You with heavy a heart, lifting up Charissa who is mourning the loss of her beloved son. Lord, You know the depth of her pain, her questions, and her sorrow. Please wrap her in Your loving arms and bring her the comfort that only You can provide. Grant Charissa the strength to face each day, even when the grief feels unbearable. Surround her with Your peace that surpasses understanding and remind her of Your promise to never leave or forsake her. Help her to trust in Your goodness, even in the midst of this tragedy. Father, as Charissa walks through the valley of the shadow of death, may she feel Your presence guiding her and holding her close. Give her hope in Your eternal promises and the assurance that her son is in Your care. I pray for her healing, her peace, and her faith to remain steadfast. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I remember going to Calico for the 2nd time with Elijah. In the morning I got up and someone scared me and I accidentally peed my pants. Elijah just laughed about it with me and helped me feel better about it instead of embarrassed.

Hi Mrs. Hellman, my name is Connor and I was friends with your son Elijah. I remember the times that we would go to our certain groups at youth group and learn about the gospel while learning our own gifts as well throughout the process. Eli was always so great at explaining how the Holy Spirit moved through his life, and helped lead everyone in the correct direction with his good influence. Your son was a great person to be around and I know that everyone could agree with that.
sincerely, Connor

I’ll never forget the time Garrett and I were headed down the 15 south to a family get together and saw pulled over on the side of the freeway the Hellman van, which had encountered some tire trouble. We pulled our little Honda civic to the lined area by the exit and called Charissa, finding out that the most helpful thing would to bring some of the kids with us to the party. Elijah was one of them and I remember his huge smile while he walked Joanna and Ezra to the car with brotherly pride (and how nervous I was seeing them walking the off ramp with cars zooming left and right). I remember him hopping into the back seat, slamming the door, and saying he was so happy to be coming with us because “he was getting so bored waiting for the tow truck”! His laughter and smiles made the whole car happy and I love how he was just so appreciative of this little moment to hang out with his auntie and uncle and kept on about it. He brought joy to our car and we all told stories and laughed about his latest projects and other updates. We cherish the memory of that time with him (and a few of the other Hellman kiddos too)

Hello, friend. I've been waiting to reach out until I had the right words, and I've decided that if i'm honest, I would have to wait forever because I will never have them. All I can tell you is I love your family and I love your sweet boy. I am heartbroken over your loss.I have been praying without ceasing and I am here for you. The only comfort I have is a knowing how much he loved the Lord and that he is with him now. ❤️

Charissa we heard this morning in church about the accident and have been praying for your family. Our hearts are breaking with you all. Please don’t feel like you need to respond. We just wanted you to know we love you guys and are praying❤️🙏🏼

Hi Charissa. I’m so so sorry about Elijah. I can’t comprehend or begin to imagine what you’re feeling and going through right now. Just know Curt and I are praying for you all. If you need anything…. Please don’t hesitate to ask. Elijah was an incredible man of God at such a young age. You both did an exceptional job at raising him. Love to you all. Thank the Lord we are confident where he is today…. In the arms of Jesus.

Hello Charissa. I wanted to reach out through Messenger rather than a FB thread because the Troops are part of our family, every extension of your family is part of mine. I saw the post about Elijah and I can’t even imagine what you’re going through right now. Losing a child is against the natural order of things and has to be gut wrenching; even with our faith in God and belief that we will see him again one day. I don’t know what I could possibly do to help, but I extend a sincere offer to help in any way I can. May God grant you peace and comfort during this time of tragedy.

Charissa, I have loved and admired your family for many years, and you can imagine (if anyone can) how heartsick I am at hearing the news about Elijah. It's almost as though some young people are too angelic for this sinful world, and that's how I always saw Eli: sweet, polite, goodhearted, eager to help, and with a Godly humility. The world, and all of us, would have been infinitely enriched by his presence in our future lives, had God so ordained it. But I suspect that the Lord wanted to preserve Elijah's purity of heart (by human standards), and keep him "unspotted by the world". Having grown into a young man of radiant goodness (again, by human standards), and a glowing sanctity -- long before most of us achieve any such thing -- God perhaps knew that it was time to enfold your son in His arms, and to compensate the brevity of Eli's earthly life with an extraordinarily precious crown.

I know words cannot express how sorry I am for you and all your family. Just know we are sending our love and prayers for all of you. 💗

. “To our beloved grandson Elijah: Treasuring the memory of our times together, the overnights, the games we played, the backpacking trips, our missions trip to Papua New Guinea. We are thankful that the Father allowed you to live such a full life in your short 16 years, for your generous heart, and your joyful spirit. We loved your love of God and His Word, your love of life, your love of God’s creation, your love to serve, how you loved to work with your hands, and your giant smile (inherited from your great grandfather). We love you and miss you. 
  Grandma and Grandpa Throop”

From Auntie Katie:
Thats one thing I will miss about Elijah - he knew how to make a simple moment a meaningful one. He loved games and fun, but even when things were slow he made you feel that you had his undivided attention and that he was just loving that quality time with you. His voice tinged with a hint of sarcasm and a mischievous grin saying “oh Auntie Katie” plays on repeat in my mind these days and reminds me of all those little times when he was growing up that we would play and such a simple statement, like a hug, would melt my heart all over again. My eldest nephew, you will always have a most special place in my heart. Thank you for loving us all so well - thank you for your infectious vigor of life -  thank you for working harder than just about anyone I know — your auntie Katie loves and is so proud of you and can’t wait to see you again. I promise to try to be a better auntie because of you.

Remembering Elijah 
 My earliest memories of my nephew are him as a young toddler, mischievous, always with a smile on his face. His joy was infectious. Even at an early age Elijah loved life. He grew into a young man, wild and free, always ready to serve and love others. He was fiercely independent and he lived life to it’s fullest, even at his young age. I must say though that it has actually been in his death that I feel like I have truly seen who Elijah is. As we sat rocked in disbelief and absolute pain, slowly, story after story of my nephew, his love for Jesus, his love for others, began to come. I just listened and took it all in, and I am amazed. I am amazed at this young man and his love for Jesus, his love for others. His life was short, but he almost lived a double portion of that life in his few years. It’s so hard to bear and we don’t understand, but we trust the Lord in His timing and we celebrate a life fully lived, and a young man so deeply loved by others. I can truly say that Elijah inspires me to love God and others well and I pray that my young boys will grow to be like their cousin, full of love for Jesus and love for others and love for life. Elijah was remarkable, and I will remember him that way. I cannot wait to see him in heaven.

Elijah, You are so loved and missed so very much! We have so many memories of watching you grow up. From a little sweet toddler who we babysat. Your laughter when you were little when you would get pushed on the swing. Walking you around duck ponds at the park while you sat on your Uncle Steve’s shoulders. To you leading your cousins in parades around Grandma and Grandpa’s backyard in Victorville. Your shared love for tools with your uncles and grandpa. We remember your joyful smile every time we got to see your face. Your love for Hannah and how you wanted to make sure she chose the right college where she would thrive. Your love for Jesus was contagious and inspiring. We loved bantering with you and the smiles and laughs that came out of it. Your smile as you said “Bye, Aunt Jen” in our kitchen at our last Throop Christmas is etched in Auntie Jen’s mind. Love you so much sweet boy! Until we meet again in heaven, Love, Auntie Jen & Uncle Steve

One of the finest young men I’ve ever known in my long life.  Exactly the kind of person the world desperately needs.  Our painful loss is heaven’s gain, but heaven will keep him (in joyfulness and bliss) for the eventual reunion of  all of us.  God bless his family—a family that could produce such a man as Elijah, and such siblings as he had.

Elijah and I playing worship at youth camp February 2024

Elijah and I playing worship at winter camp February 2024

Caught this video of Elijah during Summer Camp 2022 with FBC Menifee. I loved the joy he had and shared with others and that he encouraged others in the truth of Gods word often. I loved that he called me “Uncle Austin” as soon as my brother got married into the family.

OBITUARY

Elijah Israel Hellman

April 22, 2008 – December 27, 2024

Weaver-Hughes Mortuary

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