UofL grad's diploma presented to family one year after his death

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Graduating from college is a huge a milestone, but for one University of Louisville student that day would never come. At least that's what his family thought.

It's not the 26th birthday Kelly Benson ever pictured for son, but what he accomplished in his short life left a mark on so many.

"I'm so proud of him," said Kelly Benson.

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Kerry Benson was a standout basketball player at Pleasure Ridge Park High School and walk on at University of Kentucky. He finished his studies at UofL and his sights were set on getting his Master's. Last March, Benson was driving two of his friends, when he lost control on an icy road. Only one person survived.

"My life has been different, it will never be the same it changed at that moment," Kelly Benson said.

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Time stood still for Karmen Benson, Kerry's sister, because her brother was always the motivator to his three siblings.

"He just kept pushing and he really believed in education and education was the key to successful and happy life," Karmen Benson said.

Kerry hoped to someday become a physical therapist. His mother dreamed of her son's college graduation, but she never got to see him walk in cap and gown.

"On Christmas Day, his best friend, Nick George, came to my house with a letter from UofL informing me that they were going to honor him with a graduation ceremony and present his diploma," Kelly Benson said. "I can't believe it. It's amazing."

In the presence of family and friends, on his birthday, Kerry Benson's University of Louisville Bachelor of Science degree was presented to his family.

"I just keep thinking about my graduation day and how excited he was and yeah, he would have been smiling right now," Karmen Benson said.

It's another memory of a son, brother and friend that will never be forgotten.

"He's gone. He's been gone a year, but he's still doing things," Kelly Benson said.

UofL helped make the day extra special for the family by framing the diploma. That was the first thing Kerry's mother wanted to do. She says it will proudly hang in her home.

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