My name is Beth Tildesley, Kathleen Mariah & Steven Marriott‘s mother and also Rhett Wayne‘s grandmother. I am fundraising on their behalf for the loss of their son.

These funds will be continue to be directly transferred to Kathleen & Steven Marriott’s account for use of funeral expenses, a future nonprofit organization called Rhett’s Rings, and time away from work to grieve.

It is with shattered hearts that we share the tragic passing of our beautiful son, Rhett Wayne, at just 4 years old. Rhett was a vibrant, loving, and deeply special boy who brought light into every room he entered. He was autistic, and though he faced the world in his own unique way, his smile, laughter, and pure spirit connected with everyone who had the blessing of knowing him.

On September 7th, our worst nightmare became a reality — Rhett was lost in a tragic drowning accident. Our world has been turned upside down in a moment, and we are left trying to make sense of this unimaginable pain.

Rhett loved Cocomelon, hugs, and playing with water — it brought him peace and joy. His energy was unmatched, his cuddles the warmest, and his love knew no bounds. He had so much more life to live, so much more to experience.

We are reaching out during this time of heartbreak to ask for your help. The funds raised will go directly toward:

    •    Funeral and memorial expenses

    •    Time away from work to grieve and begin healing

    •    Creating a sensory-friendly memorial space to honor Rhett’s life and legacy

If you are part of the firefighting, first responder, or autism community, please help us by sharing this page. Your support — whether through donations, prayers, or kind words — means more than we can ever express.

Thank you for loving our boy and helping us keep his memory alive.

Forever in our hearts,

The Marriotts

Steven, Mariah, Paisley, Dustyn & Easton