INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — Kristina Judah couldn't hold back tears as she remembered her boyfriend, Kelly Granger.
"And that was the last thing he said to me: 'I love you, hope you have a great day. I got to get back to work,''' Judah said tearfully.
Granger, 50, was well-loved throughout his community and known for his bright smile and kind heart.
"He would light up the whole room when he walked in," Judah said. "He was just a really go-getter and hard worker."
His sister-in-law, Brandi Granger, shared the same sentiment, adding he always put his family first.
"He was the kindest person you've ever met," Granger said. "He literally wanted to make friends with anybody and everybody he met, just go anywhere, and everybody knew him."
Granger disappeared from work last Wednesday in Sebastian, sparking a massive search effort from residents, nonprofit groups and the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. He was last seen walking in the area of 10300 102nd Terrace.
His remains were found Sunday in a ditch after water subsided near the north county shooting range.
Although the circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear, investigators believe it was health-related.
"He had had a stroke about seven months ago and he said he hadn't been feeling well," Granger said. "He did have an accident on his bike a few weeks prior. So we're not sure yet."
An autopsy was performed Tuesday.
As loved ones wait on the official cause of death, they will continue to remember the good times they shared.
"He was literally just always happy," Judah said. "He loved life."
A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Public Pub, Granger's favorite restaurant.
