DUBLIN, Ga. — On Father's Day weekend last year, 12-year-old Colten Foskey was killed in a boating accident.
One year later, the Laurens County family is hosting its first annual Colten Foskey Memorial Catfish Tournament to honor his legacy — and make a difference in the community.
Proceeds will go toward a scholarship for someone pursuing the trades at East Laurens High School.
His nanna, Michelle Foskey, says it's something Colten would have fully supported.
"I think he would've loved it. I think he's smiling down on us for doing this," she said.
Ever since the accident, she said it's been too difficult for the family to think about fishing again.
"They haven't fished since this, so I think he's really smiling down on the fact that they're getting back on the river," she said.
She said fishing was one of Colten's favorite things, along with playing baseball at East Laurens Middle School.
His dad, Jaime Foskey, said Colten was outgoing, loved pranks and loved all things outdoors.
"He didn't meet a stranger. He talked to anybody he'd seen. He was gonna cut up with anybody he'd seen. It was- there was nothing shy about that one,"
Colten had six siblings, and his six-year-old brother Knox Foskey looked up to him as his hero.
"When my dirt bike broke, Colten let me drive his," Knox said.
He said he'll miss playing Nerf guns with his brother and always having someone look out for him.
"When daddy was fishing with his fishing pole, and I didn't have no bait on mine, Colten would get bait and put it on mine," Knox said.
Colten's older brother, Hunter Foskey, said nobody can ever replace their bond.
"He never called me by my name. He just — ever since he was little — he's always called me brother," Hunter said.
Now that he's gone, Hunter wants everyone to remember how his brother lived.
"Anybody that he didn't know, if they ever needed anything, he was ready to help," Hunter said.
This weekend's tournament starts on Saturday and is for flathead catfish only. Competitors can fish at any river. Catfish will be weighed in on Sunday, and people can weigh in a maximum of five fish. There are four prizes, and first place will be at least $2,200.
You can register ahead of time by calling Michelle Foskey at 478-488-0586.
You can also register in person on Friday evening after 5:00 p.m. and Saturday morning starting at 8:00 a.m. at Laurens County Sportsman Club.
There will be a polygraph test for the winners.
For more information, visit the Facebook event for the tournament.
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