The Legacy of Bryce Gerlach

A young man in a light-colored suit and sneakers leaning against a blue Ford F-150 truck outside a barn with a pink roof.
Football field at night with a memorial and sports equipment on the sideline, including a white jersey with number 12, a wooden cross with the words "BRYCE" and "GERLACH" and the number 12, a black equipment bag, a Gatorade cooler, and water bottles.

Who Was Bryce Gerlach?

Bryce was born on April 25th, 2006, and passed away on October 12th, 2024, at the age of 18

Bryce Andrew Gerlach died tragically on Saturday October 12, 2024, as a victim of a senseless crime while protecting the lives of others. He brought immeasurable love and joy to our lives with his kind heart and bright smile.

Bryce was a senior at Corydon Central High School. He was well-known in the community for his skills on the soccer and football fields, as well as his amazing ability to make everyone around him laugh. His favorite position on the soccer field was goalkeeper. His talent on the soccer field led to his passion for football.

Most recently, he was the kicker/punter and cornerback for Corydon Central High School. His strong relentless work ethic in sports was to fulfill his dream of playing college football. He recently won the IHSAA sportsmanship award during the Corydon Scottsburg football game.

Bryce is survived by his parents, Scott and Heather Deatrick Gerlach; sister, Isabella Gerlach; brother, Owen Gerlach; maternal grandparents, Ron and Sherri Deatrick; aunts and uncles, Heidi Barrett (Brett), Mark Gerlach (Meagan), Chad Gerlach (Samantha); cousins, Blake (Lily), Hailey, Sadie, and Tyler Barrett; Macyn, Madelyn, Mavery, and Ronnie Gerlach; girlfriend, Precious Flahn; and a host of many friends.

He is preceded in death by his great grandmothers, Elizabeth Grant, Frances Deatrick, and Norma Court.

Bryce enjoyed spending time with his best friend and brother Owen driving around town in the “Big Blue” truck. They did everything together, including tireless workouts, playing sports, four-wheeling, and just hanging out.

He hoped to follow in his big sister Bella’s footsteps by playing sports in college. Bryce was Bella’s biggest fan and proud to see the community support her.

Bryce’s passion for football extended beyond Corydon Central. He shared a brotherhood with players and coaches from multiple teams in our area.

As we struggle to understand or comprehend how this tragedy could have taken place, what we can do is “Live Like Bryce”. We need to put others before ourselves, spreading joy with a smile, and never meeting a stranger.