Cody Rodriguez

IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Cody D.Rodriguez, 17, of Idaho Falls, died October 17, 2006, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center from injuries received in an automobile accident.
He was born December 27, 1988, at Idaho Falls, to Jesse Rodriguez and Jessie Smithies. He grew up in Idaho Falls, and later moved to St. Anthony where he graduated from South Fremont High School in 2006. He had just attended his first day at Idaho State University majoring in Secondary Education with a minor in Coaching.
Our brother was not your typical teenager. If a word could describe him, we can only think of “extraordinary.” Almost from the beginning, the odds were against him. Raised by our father, who gave him all the love and caring any parent could, Cody soon walked down the wrong path of life. Cody got into trouble and we lost him once, but fortunately that time, we got him back. When he returned to us, he decided it was time for a positive change. He graduated early from high school and started college. Words cannot express how proud we all are of the accomplishments Cody achieved in his short 17 years here with us. We love you and miss you so much, Cody - son, brother and our best friend.
He loved basketball and said he would someday coach the L.A. Lakers. When Cody entered the room, it was like a burst of sunshine and every time the sun rises we will remember our Cody.
Survivors are:
Fiancee: Shalease Garner, Idaho Falls
Father: Jesse Rodriguez, Idaho Falls
Mother: Jessie Smithies, Idaho Falls
Sister: Peggy (Nicolas) Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Idaho Falls
Sister: Brandi Smithies-Rodriguez, Idaho Falls
Sister: Katy Smith, California
Sister: Sadee Smith, California
Sister: Casey Smith, California
Brother: Lorenzo (Kristi) Rodriguez, Idaho Falls
Brother: Raymond Rodriguez, Idaho Falls
Brother: Danny Smithies, Idaho Falls
Brother: Billy Ray Campos, Firth
He was preceded in death by a sister, Amanda Smithies-Rodriguez; his grandparents, Manuel Rodriguez, Erlinda Rodriguez, Barbara Smithies, and Dale Smithies; and a niece, Mercedes Rodriguez.