Ayden William Rush

Gone Too Soon
Ayden William Rush, 21, of Priest River, Idaho, passed away tragically in a car accident on Sunday, August 10, 2025. He was born on January 8, 2004, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to his mother, Candace Rush of Priest River, and father, Robert Hood of Athol.
Ayden was engaged to his longtime girlfriend and best friend, Hannah Larson. Together, they shared a love for the outdoors—fishing, hiking, and taking scenic drives through the mountains. Ayden also had a gift for cooking and was known for preparing the best barbecue for his many friends and family.
A natural jokester, Ayden had a way of making people laugh and brightening any room he entered. His humor, paired with his warm heart, made him a friend to all. In recent years, he found great pride and purpose in his work as a driller, a job he quickly fell in love with.
Heartbreakingly, Ayden’s grandfather, John Rush of Osburn, Idaho, passed away earlier that same day. John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ayden’s maternal grandmother, Sandra Rush.
Ayden was a devoted and loving father to his son, Ashton Rush of Texas. Though he became a father at a young age, he embraced the role wholeheartedly—teaching Ashton how to hunt, fish, and carry himself with kindness and respect. His legacy as a father will live on through his son.
He is survived by his siblings: Austin Hood, stationed in Germany; Alyssa Hood of Athol, Idaho; and Luke Gilbert of Priest River, Idaho. He also leaves behind his uncle, Jason McClellan’s buddy, as well as his mother-in-law Greta Riggs of Laclede, Idaho; father-in-law Chris Larson; and sister-in-law Heidi Larson, both of Laclede, Idaho. He is also survived by his stepmother, Amanda Hood of Athol, Idaho, and grandfather Bill Hood of Wallace, Idaho.
Ayden was deeply loved by many and will be remembered for his generous heart, adventurous spirit, quick wit, and the sacrifices he made for those he cared about. His life, though far too short, was filled with laughter, love, and dedication to family and friends.