Parents Grieve For Their Child Killed In Tragic Ice Cave Accident

LAKE STEVENS - She was only 11 years old and died in a tragic accident at the Big Four Ice Caves in Verlot. Grace Tam was killed when a large chunk of ice fell on her July 31st.

Her family says Grace had a smile that could melt your heart, but it was the words she wrote in her journals that defined her spirit for life and love of animals.

Grace's father John Tam says he is devastated about losing his daughter because she had so much to live for.

"She was saying daddy and I just broke out in tears, I'll never hear that again, I'll never hear my daughter," said Tam.

Grace's mother Tamami says the family was hiking near the ice caves when a freak accident took her daughter's life.

"Gracie was standing just right next to me, I was completely OK, just hit Grace," said Tam.

According to John the family wasn't even that close to the ice that broke free and hit Grace.

"We were 15 feet from the ice, beyond the ice, it should not have come down, bounce and then hit her," said Tam.

Tamami Tam feels robbed of all her hopes and dreams she had for her little girl.

"We planned, OK Grace you get married and you have a baby, I asked her can I live close to you, because I'd like to visit you and help with the baby," said Tam.

Her parents say Grace loved to write. Now, her father is trying to publish her journals to raise money to fulfill one of Grace's dreams of opening a shelter for dogs.

"All we really want to do is honor Grace and keep her memory alive that's the main reason," said Tam.

Now, that she's gone, her mother says she'll cherish every single moment she spent with Grace.

"She gave us a wonderful time, we just wish it was longer," said Tam.

But, they still have Grace's words on paper, something mom and dad will keep close to their hearts forever.

"You need to show it all, love is just like happiness and joy. Love is the feeling of a human being. Love is a person that cares for you and shows you they love you with all their heart. Love is like an animal caring and making us smile while hugging, and that is what love explains to me."

A celebration of Grace's life will be held tomorrow afternoon at the family's church in Marysville. John and Tamami say they will sing Amazing Grace as a tribute to their daughter.