Canaan Jace Bower

Just saw the story on Canaan's heroic actions to save that mother and her children. What incredible bravery and courage. It restores my faith in the human condition and I'm completely heart broken for him and his family seeing the terrible news the world has lost a huge ray of light. The memory of this man for whom I have never met will live on. Thank you for making this world a better place when you were here young man.

Olga Naranjo sentido pésame desde Costa Rica

I watched a YouTube news clip of Canaan saving the kids at a gas station. I was cheering for him and slammed my hand on my couch saying pinned! I was a wrestler, my son born the same year as your son was a wrestler and I know how tough the sport is and the great amount of character it develops. I searched Canaan's name hoping to see him wrestling on a scholarship or doing something great. I'm so sorry that happened to all of you. Canaan was called early to a higher purpose, better than a scholarship or high paying job. One day you will see him again. God bless you all.

♥

Rest in Peace to a hero, gone but not forgotten

Rest in Peace Canaan, i was so sad to hear about your passing but you didn't leave this world without making an impact first. Thank you for saving 4 children and their mother. You're a hero. Sending much love from Mexico.

They had a clip of this boy on you-tube calling his act of heroism out some years before he was killed. May the passage of time be a balm for your hearts mom & dad...
From Pennsylvania, a dad who lost his boy in a car accident 15yrs ago. He was a wrestler too...he and Canaan are in eternity waiting for us! God bless you for raising a fine young man

I didn't know this young True Hero, but I just watched the Panic 911 story of his heroic rescue. He was such a brave soul to rush into that store and save the lives of 4 children and their mother.

I hope he can continue to R.I.P. and I know he was taken way too soon.

As a former FL officer, I bet he would've made an amazing police officer or firefighter.

His parents should be so proud of the man he became in his short life!!!

You’re a hero forever, Canaan. Loved by everyone. I’m so sorry your beautiful life was cut short. You deserved to stay on this earth for many, many years to come. I wish I could hug you. I didn’t know you in real life but I’ve watched your interviews you are an amazing person with a loving and beautiful soul. I only hope your family can find peace in knowing you were such a great human and that you are loved across the world. Canaan, may your soul find peace and may you rest in eternal heaven. All the love to you Canaan now and forever.

I came across the video of your son saving the woman and her children. He was a true hero. I am so sorry for your loss and my prayers go out you all. May God be with all that knew and loved him.

Just saw the video of your son saving a mother and children from a kidnapping. He was so brave mom and dad you definitely did a great job for 18 years. Cherish every memory and be very proud for you will have good times and bad but I pray that you and your family have the faith to keep pushing.

I just saw the television episode where your son saved a woman and her kids.
I’m sorry to hear of your son’s passing.
God takes Mini of the good ones ones early.
He is at peace at the right hand of God and his forever in his loving arms, and is watching down on your family forever rest in peace Cannan.

Know HE was Welcomed with open arms by Our Father for his Fearless, Selfless Brave Act for those in need !!! I have 5 children and want to out live them all as any loving parent, my heart breaks for and my prayers include his parents and all family, but I have NO doubt where this young HERO WILL spend Eternity. He will be waiting for his family.

Hello I as well just saw the video. Canaan is a true Angel! I’m so sorry for your loss heaven gained a good one!! ❤

I'm so sorry for your loss, I just watched a video of Canaan saving a mother and her children, he is truly a beautiful soul. My prayers are with you all

Your son was truly a hero. I'm so sorry for your loss ❤

Just seen a video about ur heroic act, didn’t know u passed away. Condolences to ur family I just wanted to drop a line and say thank you for ur bravery.

I heard of Canaan’s Story when it first happened. I felt so proud as if he was my son. The article came across my way again, but I’m heart broken to hear of his passing. It’s been 2 yrs and 3 months, and want to send my deepest condolences to his family. He made the world a better place for those near to him, and his void I am sure is felt. Sending hugs to you all.

Learning about Canaan's selfless acts and bravery brought me to this very sad page of his memorium. I am saddened to learn that such a stellar young man has left this mortal coil. Be at peace, Canaan, and know that your bravery and strong character continues to inspire countless who learn your name.
To Canaan's family, may Almighty God heal the wounds of loss in your hearts. Be proud of the excellent job you did in raising the beautiful soul God entrusted to you. May God bless you always.

Rest in peace

May you rest in peace. Saw the video of you putting your life in danger to save others. You have a place in heaven.

After hearing about this HERO, I’m in tears to find this out. My deepest condolences to his Family. He is and was a Hero we should all learn from. RIP, Canaan, I’m sure you were given a Hero’s Welcome.

I just learned of your Hero Canaan Bower from a video on FB. I am deeply, deeply sorry to hear of his passing. May he forever rest peacefully and continue to look out for his family and others. You all raised a beautiful son. If I was ever blessed to have one of my own, I would hope that I could raise him to be just as selfless and caring as yours. You all have my sincerest condolences, big hearts to his entire family.

I know Cannan from a YouTube video he saved a lady and her kids. He did what he loved to do to save a family. He was surely a gentle giant. I would do what he did also cause I was an wrestler in school myself . Canaan rest in heaven God got your back FLY HIGH.

I am so sorry for the loss of this incredible young man! I just learned of his passing, and am heartbroken for his family and friends, and for the world that has lost a true hero. Prayers ❤

Dear Troy and Kara,

I just learned about your beloved son’s bravery at 16, thwarting a kidnapping, and found him charming, and sweet during the interview which followed. Hoping to lesrn more about him, I Googled his name, and learned of your family’s heartbreak at losing him nearly two years ago. My heart broke for you in that moment. God Bless you.

(Please excuse my choosing Friend, there was no place to check Stranger)

Dear Troy, Kara, and Branson,
I just watched your beautiful hero son on tv. I am heartbroken to see that he has passed. I hope that knowing how many lives he has touched around the world and the love being expressed for him and knowing he is with Jesus brings you comfort

So so sad. Your beautiful boy was just on tv in australia. A HERO! Im so sad i just found that he is on his next journey in life. Bless you xo R.I.P

I have just watched the episode of panic 911 and at the end learn that this young man Canaan was an angel and then two years later the same month he passed. Wow is all I can say what a angel you gave birth to and y'all raised and everyone loved God bless you all Kim Bannister Rodriguez. Rome Georgia

He was a hero. he left this earth too soon. What a good young man. Read his story and he was what the world needs more of.

I never knew you, yet my heart is broken and my eyes are full of tears. R.I.P. CANAAN YOU ARE A HERO!!!! I have a daughter also in Heaven....would you mind finding her and giving her one of your loving hugs ...tell her it's from her momma. Her name is Shawna!
God Bless your mom and dad and brother.

I just watched the story of what you did for that woman and her children. You are absolutely a hero, and I'm saddened that your beautiful light was taken far too soon. My condolences to your family. I hope you have some comfort knowing that you saved lives before yours was taken too soon

I am heartbroken to hear of Canaan's passing...a complete stranger. A true angel on Earth and now an angel in God's arms. My deepest condolences to everyone who loved him dearly. He clearly is so easy to love. Rest in peace, young man. Forever in our hearts.

Rip Hero...

You were an Angel on earth! A real Hero! Your Legacy shall live on. God bless Canaan's Family and Friends. May his Parents always know what a wonderful caring loving. courageous selfless son a true HERO they raised. You my friend are the true meaning of a pure heart! I pray that there are more people in this world just like you!! May you Rest in Peace forever and ever. AMEN. FOREVER 18

I didn't know Canaan but saw the tv show and articles about his heroism. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones on the passing of this hero. "The good die young" Rest well, Canaan.

I saw this brave young man save a family a couple of years ago in Cruces! Rest in heaven, soldier! The world needs more Canaan’s!

Hey Kiddo,
You don't know me.. but I'm a mother to 7 kids, I saw your heroic story on tv... I cried to find out a beautiful soul was taken from here!!! Your parents should be so proud of the amazing man you became in your short life!!! Most men don't in an entire lifetime!!
May your soul rest in peace
The Fillmore Family

I just saw how this young man saved a peegnant mom and her kids and innocent bystanders. My heart sanked when his passing was announced at the end. No way. I had to look him up. No words. Canaan will never be forgotten, touching us all across the country. Continued prayers for his family and his inspirational parents.

To a gentle giant!

Just learned of Cannon’s passing and absolutely heartbroken for the family of this young hero. We need many more Cannon’s in this world. He had a heart of a lion and a soul of an angel. Las Cruces lost a courageous and beautiful person and I am sure he will be missed by many. Love and prayers to the family. God Bless❤

They say that a person that saves a life, saves an entire world. You did that many worlds with your strength and courage.

Rest Easy Canaan.

-Christian Aleman

Sounds like he was an amazing young man.
He will be missed. May God bless and comfort his family.

Just heard of your passing Canaan, the world knew of you through your actions and absolute heart of a lion, thank you for going beast mode in saving those children. You touched a lot of people and I hope you knew that. The world needs more of you and the country lost an amazing man. I think you completed the mission god had sent you into this world for and called you home to stand heroically by his side.

I just seen the video of this young man taking down a would be thief,and to read he's passed is heart breaking. RIP young man

I would like to start out that I have never met your son in person. I was touched by the video of him coming to aid a woman and her children that has gone viral. To see such a selfless act really restores your faith in humanity. Your son seemed like a wonderful and caring person. My heart aches that he has gone so young. I pray that you and your family find comfort in the memories you have of Cannan and the outreach from those around him.

I never met Canaan but I saw the video of him coming to the rescue of a woman and her children. To hear of his passing is so sad. The world was a better place with him in it and my heart goes out to his loved ones. God bless you Canaan, may you rest in peace.

I never met tour son, in person but I watched how he came to the rescue of the pregnant woman who was trying to save her her children. Your son restores faith in humanity in this crazy world. He was put there by the good God. Right place and right time. Peace be with your family. He was certainly a Hero! .

I never met this wonderful, loving young man in person but I watched how he came to the rescue of the lady who was trying to protect her children. I had never seen anything like it. I thought, what an amazing young man that was put there by the good Lord, Right place and right time. GOD bless you. Now you’ve done everything you needed to do here on earth and you’ve gone home to live with JESUS where I hope to be one day. Rest in Heaven sweet child, GOD bless you.

Bless you young man. A great American poet once said "to know that even one life is breathed easier for you having lived, that is to have succeeded." In your too-short life you became that great success.

This young man was a true hero. The character, love and confidence of your son will live on. A loss like this is unimaginable but I hope you find peace in the fact he saved lives and he will be welcomed by God with open arms. You raised an amazing young man.

He is a Hero RIP young man

Just saw you on Panic 911 and was so very sad to hear of your passing. What a tragic loss. Condolences to all his family and friends. Rest in peace Cannan.

What a sweet young man. A humble hero. Definitely a loss to this world yet undoubtedly an Angel in Heaven. My sincerest condolences to his family.

Just watched the episode of him saving the woman and her children and I’m so sorry for your loss.. what an amazing kid.

What an incredible young man! I saw the video of him being a hero. Sounds like he knew our Lord so we know he is with God. My sincere condolences.

I just watched your story on Panic 911 and your where a phenomenal young man May your soul Rest In Peace

Your son had a beautiful soul. My condolences to your family.
RIH

I remember watching his story about him saving that woman and her children. He is an absolute HERO. And now god wanted him home as an angel. He will be missed by the world I’m sure. RIP buddy. Best wishes to his family and friends. Xoxo

I just watched his heroic story on Panic 911. What a true hero he was! I'm soo extremely sorry to the family & friends of this young man. I know there simply aren't enough words to help with this type of pain & sadness...but take comfort in knowing that God only takes the BEST OF THE BEST! R.I.P

I learned about Canaan today watching Panic 911, I was heartbroken when I got to the end of the program. But our hero is now in a better place, he was a remarkable young man, always remembered.

I just saw this act of kindness to a stranger and the end saw what happened. I am covered with goosebumps. How tragic.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray God will comfort and strength all of you.

Just watched PANIC 9-1-1 and was heartbroken to see at the end of the program about Canaans passing. So very sad. Praying for you all.

I just watched Panic 9-1-1 and was in awe of your son, Canann. When they showed that he had passed away in a fatal motorcycle accident, my heart broke for all of you. What an amazing young man he was to do what he did. May he rest easy in the arms of the Lord until you see him again. Sending love and prayers from Butte, Montana.

I also learned about Canaan through television and he truly was a testament of what a great human being should be. Heaven gained a strong Angel who will continue his heroics by watching over his family and loved ones. He leaves an amazing presence here on Earth, always remembered!

Just saw the show Panic 911 and was so proud of Canaan for what he did. I wanted to look into a way to thank him even further and find out what great things he was accomplishing (esp since we share a birthday). Sadly instead only to read about his tragic passing. My deepest sympathies to your entire family, and I pray for your healing and comfort. Just know he is with God and smiling down upon you, I promise :) --MM

I just watched the show Panic 911 where Canaan helped save a lady & her children from being abducted. Nowadays kids would turn the other way but Canaan didn’t & made sure the attacker didn’t get away!!!!! The world should learn from your son & brother that it’s ok to help others & your son was a fine example of what to do❣❣❣❣ I’m so VERY SORRY for your loss & the world has lost a wonderful & valuable young man❣❣ I understand your grief, I just lost my husband unexpectedly, he passed 4-4-22 just 8 days after his 50th bday & he too was a wonderful man❣❣ To Canaan, after I seen the show I was truly saddened!!! But U are a beautiful soul & the world lost one of the good ones❣❣ I guess God needed U more & I understand why❣❣ U will always be in my thoughts❣ Rest easy & if U happen to C my husband Dennis tell him I Love & Miss him EVERYDAY❣❣❣❣

I just watched his story and was shocked to learn of his passing. As I watched I had tears in my eyes thinking how proud his parents must be. Then to see the update. I'm so sorry for your loss. What a truly remarkable young man.

I came to tears hearing that such a wonderful young has passed , only the very good die this young rest in peace

To the family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Although we don't know each other personally, I feel the need to extend my deepest sympathies to your entire family. Your son will forever be your guardian angel and his heroic act to help a total stranger in need will never be forgotten. May you find comfort in knowing your son is now with the Lord. God bless you forever and always.

I am so sorry for you loss. I watched him on TV being a hero saving a woman and her kids from a man. I actually cried. God Bless Your Family

I had seen Canaan's story before and was in such awe of his selflessness and bravery. I just saw his story on a different show and although I knew the story I wanted to watch it again, as it is such a feel good one. I was all smiles as they showed his interview at the end etc. UNTIL I saw the post show notice that he was no longer with us! It broke my heart! How UNFAIR! My deepest sympathies to his parents/ family and friends! He was truly one of the good people of this world!!!

You raised a hero. What a brave young man. We were heartbroken when we saw then end of the episode. What a lasting impact his life has left. I can’t imagine your pain but know so many strangers are praying for you.

Rest in Paradise Gentle Giant

I just watched the story of this young man’s bravery with lady and her children. I went on a search to find out what became of him. It was heartbreaking to learn of his passing. What an amazing young man that you raised and the world needs more young men like yours.

Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness he was❤. Canaan touched many throughout the world. What a handsome , kind and loving young man. All our love to his family. Joette Zeigler from West Virginia.

I am deeply sorry for your loss. What a beautiful soul your son had. He touched so many lives with his actions and in such a short time he was able to create such a lasting impression. I know there is nothing in this world that can heal the pain of his loss, but I hope the overwhelming love that was shared for your son will bring your family some comfort during this time.

I heard of your sons heroism and all he did to help that woman so just know he accomplished what he was supposed to on this earth. I know it hurts to lose your child and nobody knows that pain unless u been in those shoes but he was a Angel down here and I’m sure he’s one now in death. We love you Canaan and you have so many fans who will miss you and love you Watch over everyone like we know you are

I recently learned of Canaan and his Christlike act, which so inspired me that it penetrated my soul. I thought, I know he was a warrior in that moment but for an act like that, it wasn’t just for that momentHE must be a unique person who shows acts of kindness always.

I am a single mother. The type of person Canaan must have been makes me think of my own son, which becomes very personal to me. I hope and pray that I can raise my son to be like Canaan. Not just for his one act but for the many that may have gone unnoticed and acts noticedjust a stand-up type of individual who has reached and impacted me, states away.

I’m sure there is not much one can say or do to take yours and all of your friends and families pain away. Know that a mother is praying for all of you and thanks him every day and night for saving a mother and her kids. He is my hero. If I am lucky enough to have another son, he will be named, Cannan.

I only just found out about Canaan's heroism and I can truly see that although he's gone to join the angels, you and your family was very proud of him. I will continue to pray for strength and comfort for all of who loved and knew Canaan. You did a great job raising an amazing and caring son. Much love sent your way ❤

I’m heartbroken for this young man.

Dear Mr.& Mrs Bower, I didn’t know you or your family but the moment I saw what Canaan had done, helping subdue that man in the convenient store, I was truly amazed by his strength & calmness of the whole situation!! He was my Hero from the get go & I shared the story on my Facebook page. What a wonderful young man he was. You must be so proud of him. I only wish I could have met him and even gone to the funeral. I’m sure there was hundreds there to support y’all !! I wish more young people were like Canaan. He was my Hero. God Bless you & keep y’all in His loving arms always. I wish I was better with words. Lovingly, Margaret Bermes

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. It’s a big loss for the community as well. We need young men like your son to make this world a better place. May our lord bless you and your family at this very sad time. God bless you all and his love bring you peace.

Although I never met this fine young man, I feel better knowing him through his acts and knowing that he had great parents to teach him. The world is a better place because of his being here if only for a short time, God blessed the world with him. They say that only the good die young and this holds true for Canaan. May God give you the strength to cope with an enormous loss. I wish God more parents like you and more people like Canaan.

I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayer.

Praying for the Garrett/Bower families. Though I never met Canaan, I knew him from afar! Such accomplishments in a short life of fearless service to others. He is home now, his journey has ended and he is in the presence of our Holy God! Such comfort knowing that, yet sorrow fills your hearts. God is always right on time; He never makes a mistake. Canaan has crossed over to the land flowing with milk and honey—the promise land, as his name proclaims. May the Lord Jesus Christ fill your hearts with thanksgiving and gladness and praise for the gift of Canaan.

To Thee I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call upon the name of the Lord. Psalm 116:17.

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. Psalm 18:30

Praying the Holy Spirit sustains you with His strength during this time of suffering. ✝

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Praying for understanding, comfort, and joy in the memories you leave behind!

Prayers for family.

We are so sorry for the loss of your son. Prayers for all the families for the day’s ahead. Cherish every memory you have of your son.

My condolences to Canaan's family may he RIP l knew Canaan for a few years he was on my bus he was a very respectful young man always with a smile.He will be missed.May God bless you all.

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Troy, you and your wife and all your family and friends will be in our prayers in the coming months.

I remember i went to highschool with Bower. We played football and wrestled together. I deeply regret not having spent the time i could have with him. He was an awesome person, and an even better friend. I wish him the best in heaven, though i know he's now in a better place. May he rest well.

When I learned of Canaan's passing, it was with great sadness and an extreme sense of loss of a wonderful young man. This was a horrific loss, not only for Canaan's family, friends and acquaintances but for the world as a whole-- for Canaan epitomized all the qualities that the world needs now more than ever in these troubled times: Humility, bravery, honor, courage in the face of danger, kindness and caring.
Canaan worked for me several times over the last two years: mixing and pouring concrete for carport piers, harvesting pecans, and the last time his help made the moving a very heavy elliptical machine, easy work.
I knew he was a football player, but never knew he was a wrestler for Mayfield. Those skills, his bravery and his decisive action under dangerous circumstances served him well in his heroic act of stopping and detaining a perpetrator until the Sheriff arrived during a kidnapping incident about 2 years ago.
Canaan was a polite, soft spoken, courteous, friendly, hardworking and considerate young man who was always a congenial participant in getting the job done.
His size and strength was impressive but in no way did he flaunt or impose his physical prowess on those around him.
In my dealings with Canaan, his demeanor was just the opposite, considerate and humble.
He was good natured and quiet but would easily engage in conversation if prompted.
From my perspective as a parent and old fogy, he was a young man whose parents could be extremely proud of! The job they did raising Canaan to be a productive and positive member of society was evident in my experience with him. Canaan served as a model for what the younger generation can be.
Las Cruces and the world will miss Canaan and his presence. He will leave a void that will be felt by all that knew him.
Rest in peace Canaan, we will think of you often and your positive example and model for what a young man can be that you showed us during your short time here on earth.
We and the world barely knew you, but you will be missed by all that did.

Mr. & Mrs. Bower, I played with Canaan on the Rough Riders for a couple of years. Canaan was always the perfect gentlemen, huge heart and such a gentle soul. I am currently in the field with the US Army and I cannot be there. I wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. Canaan is now seated at the throne of God. I am praying for you all daily. You raised a hero. I will miss him and I will never forget all the great times we had.
Brooklyn Morton

My deepest condolences to the Bower family on the loss of your son. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.