Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

George Washington High School suffered a painful loss three years ago when graduate Willy Shuman died in a fatal car crash.

The Shuman family knows they will never see their son Willy again, but even more than three years after his death, they still have hope that others can learn from his tragedy, while his memory lives on.

"I can see him running on the thing right now. I mean, it's just, it's just something he would have found incredible," said Willy's brother, Grant.

Family, friends, and classmates gathered at George Washington High School to dedicate the "Wear A Seatbelt Nature Trail " to Willy Shuman.

Willy was a George Washington graduate who died in June 2009. He was in a fatal car crash just days before he was set to leave for the United States Air Force Academy. He was not wearing a seat belt.

The trail has become something for the community to enjoy while honoring Willy's love for the outdoors.

"Willy would have thought that this was just beyond great. It's gone from this tiny little cut up through here that people used to walk, to this fabulous trail for the neighbors, for the community, for the school," said Jane Shuman, Willy's mother.

George Washington High School's principal George Aulenbacher says the trail has already started to attract regular visitors.

"There's a lady, she brings her black lab every morning, walks up through the front parking lot, up the back here, and up the trails. So for the last three, four months...Or last two months she's been up here every morning walking."

Willy's brother Grant just hopes this trail cannot only provide some enjoyment in life for the community, but also serve as a reminder of how quickly life can change and to always wear your seat belt.

"As my mother always said when people were taking Willy out in their cars, 'Take care of my precious cargo.' And that's what we're really talking about and every time you get in the car, think about Willy, buckle that seatbelt. And I think it's just a good message for everybody. "

This nature trail is behind the George Washington High School and is open to public at any time of day. Both the Shuman family and school encourage everyone to visit

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