SDSU Student-Athlete Turns Family Tragedy into Farm Safety Mission

BROOKINGS, S.D. — For South Dakota State University senior Jaiden Boomsma, tragedy struck when her younger brother, Jaxon, died in a farm incident. But since then, Jaiden and her family have turned their pain into purpose, becoming advocates for farm safety and working to keep her brother’s memory alive.

Jaxon, just 7 years old at the time of the incident, was riding on a tractor without a cab when he fell off while visiting their grandparents’ farm in Wessington, South Dakota. The Boomsmas, who live in Yankton, South Dakota, have a tradition of spending holidays at the farm, and the tragic event occurred in April 2017, just before the Easter weekend.

“Jaxon loved to help with the chores on the farm. He liked to help my grandpa feed in the mornings and enjoy the sandbox my grandma and grandpa had,” Jaiden reflected. “Other than that, it was really just about family time when we were there.”

Together, the Boomsmas have channeled their grief into spreading awareness about the dangers on farms, emphasizing issues like tractor and grain bin safety. Jaiden’s aunt, Mary, and her father, Troy, wrote and published a book aimed at teaching children how to stay safe on the farm. Jaiden contributed to this project, helping write and review parts of the book alongside her siblings, Callie and Carter.

The book highlights the dangers of farm equipment, stressing the importance of tractors having safety cabs and proper seating for children. It also covers topics such as grain bin safety, animal handling, and appropriate clothing for farm work.

The Boomsma family ensured the book was deeply personal, with many of the animals and settings reflecting their own experiences at their grandparents’ farm, where Jaxon spent countless happy hours riding four-wheelers, helping with chores, and playing with animals.

“He was one of the most bubbly people you’d ever meet. He had a smile that lit up any room, which is why our mission is to keep his smile alive,” Jaiden said. “Many of the pictures in the book are based directly on our grandparents’ farm, making the whole book very personal for us.”

Beyond writing the book, the Boomsmas have engaged in farm safety outreach, visiting schools across South Dakota to present safety lessons. After witnessing her father’s efforts to cope with grief by advocating for farm safety, Jaiden felt driven to contribute as well. She aims to educate young people about the potential hazards on farms, highlighting the fact that many kids, even in farming communities, lack a full understanding of these risks.

“Living in the Midwest, farming is a significant aspect of life for everyone. Many people grow up on farms or have grandparents who own them, yet not many kids truly comprehend the importance of farm safety,” Jaiden stated. “Thus, spreading awareness of farm safety and promoting it to children is crucial because it’s personal for us.”

Jaiden, who also competes in track and field at SDSU in sprinting and long jump, is studying business economics with a minor in marketing. With her background in marketing, she has taken their message online, utilizing social media to share her story and advocate for farm safety. Her posts convey the emotional impact of her loss and provide support for others grieving, especially those who have faced similar tragedies.

“I wanted to share my personal story and how it has affected me to promote farm safety and to be an outlet for other siblings who are grieving,” Jaiden explained. “I’ve noticed that sibling grief is a significant issue; many people experience it but don’t talk about it enough.”

Through her social media efforts, Jaiden has significantly raised awareness around farm safety and promoted the family’s book, which has seen orders from various parts of the country. “

“We’ve really been able to expand our reach regarding how many people have seen our book, which is pretty exciting,” she said. “Social media has been a blessing for us; it’s allowed us to connect with a fantastic audience across the United States. We’ve had orders from people in various states, which is amazing to see.”

Despite the personal memories intertwined with their mission, Jaiden and her family draw strength from their efforts to honor Jaxon. For Jaiden, her journey revolves around transforming her pain into purposeful action.

“Knowing we’ve been able to help others through farm safety initiatives, while also providing a platform for individuals to share their experiences, has been incredibly fulfilling,” she remarked. “Many people have gone through farm accidents or other types of accidents, and it’s reassuring to know that we are a source of support for some.”