The Boise community is grieving the death of Jordan Harbst, a 25-year-old killed along the Boise River Greenbelt earlier this week. Friends and family have described Harbst as a beacon of light in the community, with a candlelight vigil scheduled for Friday night to honor his memory and show support for his grieving family.
Harbst’s parents, Josh and Mary, along with his sister Gea, are processing the loss of a young man whose presence made a meaningful impact on those around him. “We are devastated and completely heartbroken,” the family stated in a public message. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Ada County, raising concerns about safety along one of Boise’s most-used recreational corridors.
Investigation and Community Response
A suspect has been arrested in connection with Harbst’s death. Prosecutors revealed that Harbst and the individual charged did not know each other, indicating this was not a case of personal conflict but rather a random act of violence. The unpredictability of the incident has heightened awareness among Boise residents who frequent the Greenbelt for exercise, commuting, and recreation.
Mayor Lauren McLean’s office extended formal condolences to the Harbst family and characterized the killing as “an extremely rare occurrence in Boise,” underscoring how unusual such violent incidents are along the popular pathway system.
Family Support and Memorial Plans
The Harbst family has received substantial community support through a GoFundMe fundraiser, which has raised more than $45,000. The funds are designated to cover funeral expenses and provide financial support to the family during this difficult time. In a message shared on the fundraising platform, the family stated that “Jordan will never be forgotten,” signaling their commitment to preserving his legacy.
Beyond immediate financial assistance, the family is exploring the creation of a foundation bearing Jordan’s name. Such a memorial foundation could serve as a lasting tribute to his life while potentially supporting causes or communities that were meaningful to him. The move reflects a desire to transform grief into purpose and ensure that Harbst’s memory contributes positively to Boise for years to come.
Candlelight Vigil and Community Gathering
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Friday, July 10, at 11:59 p.m. along the Boise Greenbelt between 11th Street and Pioneer. The gathering will provide an opportunity for family members, friends, and concerned residents to come together, remember Harbst’s life, and show solidarity with those who knew him best.
The vigil location—along the very stretch of the Greenbelt where Harbst died—carries symbolic weight. The Greenbelt is one of Ada County’s most treasured public spaces, stretching for miles along the Boise River and serving as a vital recreational outlet for thousands of residents. The tragedy has prompted reflection on safety and security along the pathway, even as community leaders emphasize that such incidents remain statistically uncommon.
What Comes Next
As the Harbst family navigates the immediate aftermath of their loss, they will continue to receive support from the broader Boise community. Those interested in paying respects can attend the candlelight vigil on Friday evening. For those unable to attend in person, the GoFundMe fundraiser remains open for contributions to support the family and funeral arrangements.
The community’s response—rapid fundraising, mayoral acknowledgment, and the planned vigil—reflects Boise’s values of compassion and unity in the face of tragedy. As the family moves forward with plans to establish a foundation in Jordan’s name, that effort may help channel the outpouring of grief and support into meaningful, lasting change.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the Boise Police Department or the Ada County Sheriff’s Office. For those seeking resources or wishing to provide support to the Harbst family, local victim advocacy organizations and community leaders are available to assist.