WARREN, MI — A Warren family is turning grief into a public tribute after 13-year-old Justin Bernath died earlier this year following participation in a viral social media trend known as the choking game. The city of Warren has dedicated a bench at Butcher Park in his memory, giving the family a permanent place to gather and remember him.

Justin’s father, Christopher Pouncy, said the loss changed his family’s life in an instant. His aunt, Erika Bernath, said the bench brings back both painful and comforting memories because the park was a place where Justin spent so much time growing up. His younger sister described sitting there as feeling like she is with her brother.

Memorial At The Park

The bench at Butcher Park was fully paid for by the city of Warren and stands as a tribute to Justin at the place his relatives say he loved most. Family members said the memorial gives them a way to stay close to him while also making his story visible to others who use the park.

Along with the bench, the family has started a nonprofit in Justin’s name. They say the organization is focused on helping parents and children stay safer online and understand the risks that can come with social media challenges. The effort is still new, but it has already received approval from the state of Michigan.

Built From Grief

The family said the nonprofit grew out of their wish to make sure Justin’s death would not be meaningless. Pouncy said he wants to do something positive in his son’s memory and help other families avoid a loss like theirs. He said parents do not need to monitor every moment, but they should keep checking in on their children.

The nonprofit held its first event at Butcher Park, the same site where the memorial bench now sits. Family members said they want it to be a place where parents and kids can find support and speak with people who understand what they are going through. They also hope the effort can reach families before a tragedy happens.

What Comes Next

Looking ahead, the family says it wants to expand the nonprofit’s outreach and may launch a podcast to connect with grieving families. They say the goal is to make sure people do not feel isolated when they are dealing with loss and to give parents another way to talk about online safety with their children.

For now, the memorial bench remains at Butcher Park as both a tribute and a reminder of what the family says can happen when dangerous online trends spread. The family’s new organization is in its early stages, and the city of Warren’s role so far has been the bench itself and its placement in the park where Justin spent time.

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