Hundreds Turn Out For Charity Golf Event Honoring Slain College Student

SARTELL, Minn. (WCCO) -- Family members of a Minnesota college student who was murdered last year, say they're focusing on the positive.

The body of 18-year-old Tom Bearson was found three days after he went missing from North Dakota State University last fall. His parents started the Tom Bearson Foundation, and on Saturday they held their inaugural golf event in Sartell.

Several hundred people showed up to the event to show their support. The foundation will help fund projects increasing awareness for on-and-off-campus safety at NDSU. They'll also use the foundation to fund college scholarships.

"We know Tom was here in spirit," Tom's father Greg Bearson said. "Just so unbelievable to see so many people here in support of the foundation."

Police are still searching for Tom's killer. Greg and Debbie Bearson say they believe justice will prevail, and won't dwell on the past. They say they're trying to make the future better, as Tom would have wanted.