Parents of Lynn University student Kyle Conrad remember son who died in tragic accident

BOCA RATON, Fla. - For the first time, the parents of a Lynn University student who died after falling off a bridge in Fort Lauderdale are sharing their story of loss and recovery.

21-year-old all-star soccer player Kyle Conrad died a year ago Sunday.

His parents say if it weren't for the community's support, healing would have been a lot tougher.

It was Dec. 11, 2010, when Kyle Conrad and a teammate decided to take a shortcut over New River in Broward County.

The two seniors decided to take a walk on a railroad bridge to get across and almost made it when the bridge started going up.

Kyle tragically fell to his death that night.

"He ended up hitting the back side of his head," said his dad.

Tuesday night at his Jensen Beach home, Kyle's parents, Sherman and Mary Anne Conrad, showed us his room still the way Kyle left it.

"He ended up winning player of the year three years in a row," explained his dad.

After Kyle's death, the family decided to have his organs donated.

Unfortunately, because he was in the water for such a long period of time, only his eyes were usable.

His mom says right now, someone out there has the eyes of her son.

"I think of some people that can't see and if they are able to use his eyes and be able to be blessed, I think it's a great thing," said Kyle's mom.

The family says community support has helped them during their healing process.

This holiday season they say they appreciate one another a little more and encourage others to do the same.

A scholarship fund has been started in Kyle's honor.