Tragic / Rock Moore (Long time friend )
I had known Clayton since i was about six or seven.We were neighbors. I used to ride my bike over at least 3 times a week. Then when we upgraded to cars it was about everyday we would be in contact on way or another. We had done so many things and known each other so long that we were family. I think about him everyday every time i play music. He was the most stand up fun guy i knew.

I feel i will never have a bond like ours again.I wrote a song about what happened. And i hope i will be able to continue to write more . Close

I will not forget  / Erin Holbert (local citizen )
To the Helriggle family and Clayton's friends,
I will never forget the terrible loss you have experienced. I have a son a year younger than Clayton and I can't begin to comprehend loosing him. I know he was precious to you all. Nothing will repair that hole in your heart. I do believe firmly in life after death and I believe Clayton is a special angel for you all. He has gone ahead to prepare the way for you. I had the experience in my life of loosing my brother to a tragic disease. He reaffirmed my faith in life after because as he was dying he was talking about his friends who had gone before him waiting over the bridge with their supplies. I know this may sound hokey to many but I believe he knew they were waiting for him and had begun to prepare his place.
I also believe his death may have opened the eyes to many to the problems in law enforcement in your small community of which I was a member of. Nothing will replace your loss but I believe you will be with him again. The candle is not out it continues to burn in each of you. Close

Your candle burned out too soon.  / Jessica Schul (Friend)
Although I may not have been the closest friend to Clayton, I know how much he meant to his family and how welcoming he was each time I was around simply because I was Heather's friend. Jeremy still looks at drawings Clayton and he did in school when they were young, some are funny and some are just down right cool. But nonetheless, his candle was blown out too soon. He was such a free spirit of a person each time I was around, having fun and smiling and laughing, acting as though strangers were something people gossip about. He was down to earth and a rare gem of a soul as far as being so laid back my worries went away just by hanging around and listening to the music and the stories at bonfires. The papers made you and all the guys sound like monsters compared to the real people who lived there. Were you all perfect? No. But that's why it's all the more disheartening to have known what happened. Rest in Peace Clayton and know that when the candle is burning, you are one of the many faces that cross my mind and one the few people who have touched our life in such a wonderful way. Close

"Woody" / Aunt Sue (aunt)

The first time I saw Clayton he reminded me of Woody in the Peanuts comic strip.  He just had that look of a little bird.  He had a love that could not be restrained & a temper to match.  Once after I had scolded him I noticed he was missing & when I looked outside he was chucking rocks at my car.  But I couldn't get mad with him.  He looked at me & that twinkle in his eyes won me over.  I didn't have a chance!  He left behind his wonderful brother who along with Clayton have been like sons to me.  I will always feel the incompleteness of the day because Clayton is gone.  He is not coming back, he is gone forever to this life.  Thank goodness this life is short & Clayton is waiting for us on the other side.  And Harley is left behind missing his brother so.  Harley is my comfort.  He saved my life once & he keeps me steady now.  Clayton dances among the stars & I envy him.  Love you Clay!!

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My Son  / Sharon Helriggle (Mother)

Mike and I had two wonderful sons, Harley, born in 1977 and Clayton, born in 1979.  Clayton came into this world just as he lived his life....head first and fast.  Clayton was adventurous even at a young age, knowing no fear (which lent to him getting injured several times).  As he got older, the love of travel kicked in and at a minutes notice he would gather his friends and pack up and go to where ever that old pickup would take them.  Camping many weekends at the Red River Gorge, going to festivals, rock climbing, rafting....you name it and Clayton was ready to roll.  It wasn't obvious to me until his death, how many lives he had touched and how many people knew what a wonderful person he was. 

Clayton was a budding musician with a wide range of taste in music.  I miss most hearing him in his room, practicing a new song and singing with that voice that was just finding it's own. 

There will always be a hole in my heart, an empty seat at the dinner table, the flash of that  wonderful smile, the laughter caused by his quick wit, and no comforting hugs that he gave out easily. 

We love and miss you.

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Persistance / Vicky Croley (Friend)
I will never forget Clayton's persistance to go and do and live life as if he had no tomorrow.  He was a wonderful gift to my life.  
Vicky Croley Close