Honoring Garrett Burton’s Legacy Through Community Action
Columbus Ohio – Outside a home in Galloway, Ohio, a simple painted rock stands as a touching tribute. Colored blue with a drawing of Winnie the Pooh and marked “Garrett” (1992–2008), it quietly tells a story of tragedy and hope.
Garrett Burton was just 16 when he was shot and killed by an unidentified gunman on August 30, 2008. He and his friends had been throwing eggs at passing cars when they were confronted. Garrett was shot and died at the scene. The suspect has never been found, and his case remains open.
Now, Garrett’s older brother, Georden Burton, is honoring Garrett’s legacy by turning grief into community action. As a youth mentor at the Boys & Girls Club of Central Ohio, Georden devotes his life to helping young people avoid the paths that lead to violence.
“Most teenagers make mistakes and live to learn from them. Garrett didn’t get that chance,” said Georden.
To mark National Youth Violence Prevention Week, Georden is raising awareness about safer, healthier choices for teens. His efforts include helping kids find outlets to express anger, pain, and stress—before tragedy strikes.
“Turn your pain into purpose. I’ve been through trauma and depression, and I use that experience to guide others,” Georden shares.
His office is filled with thank-you notes from the teens whose lives he’s impacted. His advice to youth is simple: “Don’t make a permanent choice based on a temporary feeling.”
In Garrett’s honor, the Boys & Girls Club of Central Ohio will host its Opportunity Fair & Mental Health Resource Rally on June 20 from 5–8 p.m. at the Milo-Grogan Club. This event will provide high school students with access to local universities, military recruiters, job opportunities, and mental health support.
For the first time, the rally will also feature a youth-led gun violence prevention initiative focused on healing, accountability, and strengthening community connections.
Seventeen years after Garrett’s death, the pain still runs deep. But through mentoring and advocacy, Georden and the Columbus community are committed to honoring Garrett Burton’s legacy and creating a safer future for the next generation.
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