Two young men died in a single vehicle accident on County Road 6 on Aug. 7. The two victims have been identified as Garner Tampary, 20, of Orange Beach and Dalton “Sonny” Garmon, 19, of Gulf Shores. Both were graduates of Gulf Shores High School, Tampary in 2019 and Garmon 2020.
During their time at Gulf Shores High School, Tampary and Garmon were both involved in sports and activities and were active in the community.
Pastor Fred Franks of The Island Church asked the congregation to pray for the Tampary and Garmon families at the end of the service on Aug. 8. Franks, who serves as Character Coach for the Gulf Shores High School football team said he spoke to the team.
“I had the opportunity yesterday to talk to the football team about death and grief and just walk with them. Almost all those boys knew these guys. We are a small community, and I can’t imagine all that these families are suffering and going through and friends and community wise. When tragedy hits our community, we are a family. This gulf coast community of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, Foley, Perdido Key, Pensacola. We are a family. We want to bare and lift each other up,” Franks said.
Family and friends have flooded social media with photos and memories as they grieve. A small memorial has been erected at the crash site near Cinnamon Lane.
On Aug. 12, Peace, Love and Tacos in Gulf Shores invited the community to add their handprint to a wall in memory of Tampary and Garmon. They also shared and wrote their memories in two books for the families. And in Pensacola, a tribute reading “Rest in Paradise Sonny G. and G. Tamp” was added to the popular site known locally as graffiti bridge.
According to the Go Fund Me page set up for the families, “Between these boys they had the biggest heart and always included everyone. They were the most genuine people and always found the silver lining in every situation. Garner and Sonny you will forever be remembered and loved by every person that ever got the pleasure of meeting you.”
