A Final Tribute: Honoring Cimarron and Benjamin Thomas through a Five-Year Journey of Remembrance

From staff reports
WOODWARD TOWNSHIP, PA – Saturday marked the renewal of the 2023 Cimarron and Benjamin Thomas Memorial Walk at Riverview Park in Woodward Township. The event, which raises both awareness and funds to combat suicide, is the brainchild of Ashton Peters, a remarkable young individual who started the memorial walk four years ago in middle school.

This initiative began after the tragic loss of his childhood friend, Cimarron Thomas, and was continued in honor of her father, Benjamin, who also sadly took his own life a year later. Ashton partnered with “22 Too Many,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to decreasing the rate of veteran suicides.

Having just graduated from high school, Ashton fittingly named this year’s walk “Our Senior Year.” He also announced that this year’s walk would be the last, marking the end of an era. However, Ashton’s impact continues. He has provided comfort to many who have experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide and has successfully raised nearly $8,000 over the past five years for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Event organizers offered a special thanks to 22-Too Many, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Woodward Township and all businesses and clubs that helped make this event a success.

Family and friends of Riley Houser, Central Mountain graduate of 2021 attended the walk and Riley was honored along with Cimarron and Ben.