Taylor Elizabeth Clifford

A NOTE FROM JENNA

Taylor Elizabeth Clifford was my little cousin and my favorite best friend from the moment she was born. Her presence in this world was extraordinary—she radiated a special light that I can only describe as pure and calm. Taylor was the sweetest soul; she loved her mom and dad fiercely and brought joy to everyone who knew her.

As a teenager, Taylor blossomed into a beautiful, athletic young woman. She loved to surf, laugh, and be silly with her friends. Her zest for life and her natural grace made her a joy to be around. Like so many teens, though, she began to experiment with drinking. But none of us could have imagined how one accident would change everything.

At the age of 15, during a trip to Glamis, Taylor had a four-wheeler accident that left her with a broken collarbone. That injury introduced her to pain relievers, a turning point we never saw coming. Taylor was not someone anyone would ever label as a “druggie”—she didn’t even have the opportunity to go down that path. But one night, she took two pills from an unmarked bottle, thinking they were something harmless. Tragically, those pills turned out to be methadone.

Methadone, while a lifesaving medication for those recovering from heroin addiction, can be deadly if taken without opioids already in your system. It was a heartbreaking, accidental loss that shook our family to its core. That was 20 years ago.

Taylor’s passing was a devastating reminder of how easily and quickly a vibrant, pure, and athletic young life can be taken by this deadly epidemic. Her story is tragically not unique, especially in today’s world, where the dangers of experimentation have grown exponentially with the explosion of fentanyl. As a family, we’ve asked ourselves countless times: what can we do to protect other kids from suffering the same fate? How can we help prevent these senseless losses?

Through The Taylor Clifford Project, we aim to turn our heartbreak into hope for the youth of today. We understand that kids will experiment—it’s part of growing up. But we want to guide them toward healthier, safer ways to explore life, to connect with themselves, and to experience joy. Activities like surfing, cycling, hiking, and immersing themselves in nature can offer that same thrill, that same escape, without the devastating consequences.

In Taylor’s honor, we also want to support teens who are displaced or struggling with addiction. By partnering with established organizations, we hope to provide resources, education, and a sense of community to the most vulnerable among us. Taylor’s light may no longer shine in the physical world, but through this project, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all. Her story is one of love, loss, and the unshakable determination to make a difference.

- Jenna Colleen Clifford