It’s rare that a name from a 2020 obituary resurfaces years later to capture the national spotlight. But that is exactly what happened with Briley Rose Ward. Most people searching for the Briley Rose Ward obituary 2020 aren't just looking for a date or a location. They’re looking for the story of a father’s grief and a tribute that eventually went viral on one of the biggest stages in the world.
Briley was the infant daughter of Preston and Tara Ward. She passed away in early 2020, a year that was already defined by collective loss, but for the Ward family, the tragedy was deeply personal. For a long time, her story remained within the private confines of North Texas family circles and local support groups. Then, the drones took flight.
The Reality Behind the Briley Rose Ward Obituary 2020
Losing a child is a "before and after" moment. You've probably seen those stories that feel almost too heavy to process. Briley Rose was only an infant when she died, leaving a void that her father, Preston Ward, eventually filled with light—literally.
Preston is the chief pilot for Sky Elements Drones. If you watch reality TV or follow tech trends, you might recognize the company. They specialize in massive, synchronized drone light shows. While many people first encountered the name Briley Rose through a viral America's Got Talent (AGT) clip in 2024, the foundation of that moment was laid in the quiet, painful months following her passing in 2020.
The obituary itself doesn't contain the typical long list of lifetime achievements because Briley’s life was tragically short. Instead, it represents the start of a mission. The Wards didn't just want to mourn; they wanted to find a way to make her name mean something to other parents who were walking through the same fire.
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Why This Story Surfaced Again
Usually, an obituary from 2020 would be buried in digital archives by now. This one stayed relevant because of how the Ward family chose to process their grief. Honestly, it’s a masterclass in turning pain into art.
In late 2023, the Wards appeared on ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight. They won the $50,000 grand prize with a spectacular drone display. But here’s the thing: they didn't keep the money. They donated the entire $50,000 to Dallas Hope Mommies, a non-profit that supports families who have lost infants or miscarried. This was one of the first times the broader public started looking up the Briley Rose Ward obituary 2020 to understand the "why" behind the donation.
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Then came the America's Got Talent Season 19 semifinal.
Preston and his team choreographed a drone show that depicted a rose blooming and a father holding a child. It wasn't just tech; it was a eulogy in the sky. When Preston spoke about Briley on stage, the search volume for her story skyrocketed. People weren't just curious about the drones—they were moved by the raw, human vulnerability of a dad who still carries his daughter's memory in every project he touches.
Navigating Grief and the "Hope Mommies" Connection
If you’re looking into the Briley Rose Ward story, you’re likely going to come across Hope Mommies. This organization was a lifeline for Tara and Preston. Grief is isolating. Kinda feels like being on an island while everyone else is at a party you weren't invited to.
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Through this organization, the Wards found a community that understood the specific nuance of losing an infant. The Briley Rose Ward obituary 2020 isn't just a record of death; it’s the catalyst for the Wards' advocacy for bereavement support. They’ve become vocal about the fact that grief doesn't "go away"—you just learn to grow around it.
Lessons from the Legacy of Briley Rose
What can we actually take away from this? It’s easy to get caught up in the spectacle of a drone show or the drama of a TV competition. But at the core, this is about the persistence of love.
- Grief needs an outlet. For Preston, it was flight and light. For others, it might be writing or charity.
- Community matters. The Wards’ involvement with Dallas Hope Mommies shows that you can't carry a 2020-sized tragedy alone.
- Legacy is built, not given. Briley didn't get the chance to build a career or a family, so her parents built a legacy of generosity in her name.
The 2020 obituary marks a beginning of a different kind of story. It's a reminder that even the shortest lives can have an echoing impact if the people left behind choose to keep speaking the name.
Moving Forward
If you are currently navigating the loss of a child or looking for ways to support someone who is, the best next step is to look into localized support systems like Hope Mommies or similar bereavement groups. The Ward family’s journey proves that while the initial "obituary" period is devastating, there is a path toward using that memory to help others. You might also consider looking at the work of Sky Elements Drones to see how they continue to use their platform for charitable causes, often in honor of the daughter who inspired their most emotional work.