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A Bridge for Max Receives Unanimous Recommendation by Mission Trail Regional Park Citizens’ Advisory Committee

by admin • May 6, 2021

Citizens’ Advisory Committee recommendation to initiate creation of a pedestrian bridge will move on the Task Force Meeting on May 20th SAN DIEGO – May 6, 2021 – The Bridge For Max campaign, an effort to fundraise and advocate for the creation of a pedestrian bridge at the San Diego River Crossing Trail at Mission […]


My Friend Max Died Trying to Cross a River. Now, His Parents Want to Build a Bridge.

by admin • May 4, 2021

A footbridge on this San Diego Trail would prevent more hikers from befalling a similar fate, and honor their son. by Zoe Gates [Read more from Zoe Gates writing for Backpacker]


Channeling grief into positive change

by admin • April 15, 2021

Whether hiking, climbing or running, Max LeNail loved nature and being in the mountains. A serious athlete, the 21-year-old set out for a run at Mission Trails on January 29 to train for an upcoming ultra-marathon. Later that evening, he planned to leave for a climbing trip to Joshua Tree with friends. [Read more at […]


Parents of hiker pushing for Mission Trails bridge

by admin • April 2, 2021

The parents of Max Lenail are continuing their push to build a bridge at a treacherous stretch of Mission Trails.. [View more at San Diego KGTV]


Max Lenail Memorial bridge fund kicks off March 26th

by admin • April 1, 2021

Ben and Laurie Lenail joined Morning Extra on what would have been Max’s 22nd birthday to talk about the fund that will raise money for a memorial bridge [View more at CBS San Diego]


Their son drowned while jogging in a California park. Now they are trying to build a bridge.

by admin • March 25, 2021

On the last day of his life, Max Lenail jogged towards the San Diego River in Mission Trails Regional Park. The Jan. 29 run was part of the 21-year-old’s training for an ultra-marathon with his brother, according to family members, and he had plans with friends to leave for a climbing trip in Joshua Tree […]


Family to launch fund to build a pedestrian bridge at San Diego river crossing commemorating death of son

by admin • March 25, 2021

The Lenail/Yoler family will launch a fund with the San Diego Foundation to build a pedestrian bridge at the San Diego River crossing in Mission Trails Regional Park to commemorate the death of their son, Max Lenail… [Read more from NBC7]


Ahead of Max Lenail’s birthday, his parents want a bridge built

by admin • March 25, 2021

Ben and Laurie are now raising money through the San Diego Foundation, to build a bridge that fits with the landscape… [View more from CBS San Diego]


Ben and Laurie present a bridge plan to the Park Task Force

by admin • March 18, 2021

Ben and Laurie commissioned this design and engineering report from KPFF Consulting Engineers which was presented at the meeting of the Park Task Force on March 18, 2021.


Will Max Lenail’s January drowning be enough to get a bridge built?

by admin • March 17, 2021

The San Diego River Crossing Trail intersects the Visitor Center Loop Trail just to the northwest of Mission Trails Regional Park’s Visitor Center. It’s your typical fire road with a moderately steep grade. [Read more at San Diego Reader]