We all dread the unexpected, but you never think it could happen to you or your family.

In the final episode of this series on The Unexpected, Dana Gage shares the story of her youngest son, Connor Gage, and his death in 2012. 15-year-old Connor went to the lake for a birthday party and after jumping from the boat dock, did not resurface. The Gage family was completely changed from that day forward, but there is so much more to their story now! In this emotional and honest interview, Dana shares the story of their family and their continued road to healing. It has not been easy or simple, but the Gage family is striving to live buoyantly in honor of Connor.

In this episode, we talk about grief, the role of social media, water safety, and supporting siblings who have lost loved ones.

If you have experienced the loss of child, or are walking through life with a teen who has lost a loved one, this is the podcast for you! We invite you to join our conversation with Dana Gage.

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In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

• The LV Project: theLVproject.org
• Book: Jantsen’s Gift: A True Story of Grief, Rescue, and Grace
• Resource: Grieving Mom’s Document
• Website: teenlifepodcast.com
• Sponsor: Lubbock Christian University
• Music: Under the Chandeliers

Dana Gage is founder of The LV Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to buoyancy, on water and in life. Dana previously served as VP of Marketing of Tribune Media Services. Prior to that, she served in sales and marketing positions for various cable-related businesses. Dana is an active member of the water safety community, is a founding member of Families United to Prevent Drowning and currently serves on the board of the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC). Dana holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Dana and her husband live in North Richland Hills, Texas. Their son, Riley, makes his home in Waco, Texas.

Chris Robey is the CEO of Teen Life. Earlier in his career while working as a youth minister, Chris earned a Masters Degree in Family Life Education from Lubbock Christian University to better equip his work with teenagers and families. Chris’ career and educational opportunities have exposed him to teenagers from a variety of backgrounds. Follow him on Twitter!

Karlie Duke is Teen Life’s Marketing & Development Director, joining Teen Life after graduating from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Communications and a minor in Family Studies. Karlie has worked with teenagers for the past 6 years and is passionate about encouraging students to live better stories. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram!