Seffner sinkhole victim remembered as loving, caring - WFLA-TV Newschannel 8

Seffner sinkhole victim remembered as loving, caring

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Those who loved Jeff Bush released doves as symbol of releasing their grief Those who loved Jeff Bush released doves as symbol of releasing their grief
Celebration of life for Jeff Bush Celebration of life for Jeff Bush
Sinkhole victim Jeff Bush Sinkhole victim Jeff Bush
BRANDON FL -

People who loved Jeff Bush, the victim of the February 28th sinkhole at his Seffner home, released doves as a symbol of releasing their grief. Time has not healed the wounds his family feels, but gathering at Bell Shoals Baptist church in Brandon, made them feel a little better. They wanted the public to get a chance to know Jeff, as a loving, caring, quiet man.

"To know exactly what a great person Jeff was and how much he was loved by all of his family and all of his friends. And just the support, the community support. It's just been wonderful" said his aunt, Janell Wheeler.

Jeff was killed February 28th, when the ground opened up below his bedroom as he slept. A sinkhole swallowed him and almost everything nearby. His brother tried to save him. "I just miss my brother and I love you man. I want you to know that. I tried everything I could man to get you. I'm sorry bro. I really love you" said Jeff's brother, Jeremy.

Four days later, county crews demolished the home... Unable to recover his body. Family members were able to salvage some items, including  two hats and a T-shirt that Jeff wore, place on a table at the front of the church.

Jeff's brother has come to terms with the decision to take the house down. "They just didn't want to risk nobody else's life. I don't blame em. What can we do?

The community has rallied to help the family financially and with prayers. "In fact, all around the world, people are praying for your family and I know that you felt those prayers" said Pastor Stephen Rummage of Bell Shoals Baptist.

The last few weeks have been tough on these family members who say, they often drive by the now-empty lot. They are planning to turn it into a memorial for Jeff... Who was just 37-years-old.

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