A Tragedy That Sparked Community Action
The Parrish Family 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament returns to Pocatello this weekend, continuing a tradition born from loss. In February 2014, a malfunctioning hot water heater claimed the lives of Bill Parrish, his wife Ross, and their two young sons while they slept—victims of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The tragedy moved Bill’s sister, Carri Parrish Curtis, to action. Just three months later, the family and community organized the first basketball tournament to honor Bill’s memory and raise awareness about the invisible danger that took him and his family. Curtis, now vice president of the NO C.O. Foundation, said the mission has remained constant: “We want to make sure that this never happens to anybody else ever again.”
From Memorial to Regional Event
What started as an effort to reach a modest goal of 20 to 30 teams has grown significantly. The tournament now draws nearly 100 teams annually, attracting competitors of all ages and skill levels. Registration remains open through Thursday, July 30, at chubbucklions.org, with tournament action beginning Friday, July 31, at 5 p.m. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, August 1, at 8:30 a.m.
The event welcomes competitors from ages 8 to 88, with divisions organized by gender and skill level. All registered players receive a tournament t-shirt—coral-colored this year. The Chubbuck Lions Club partners with the NO C.O. Foundation to organize the event, combining the tournament’s basketball legacy with the Lions’ community focus on restoring eyesight and hearing for local residents.
Bill Parrish’s love of basketball proved foundational to the tournament’s appeal. “My brother is a big basketball player, he played college ball and raised his kids to play basketball, so it’s a love of all of our family,” Curtis said.
Education and Prevention at the Center
Beyond competition, the tournament serves as a platform for carbon monoxide education. The NO C.O. Foundation will distribute free CO detectors at a dedicated tent during the event. Despite the danger posed by the odorless, colorless gas, CO detectors are not legally required for residential living spaces or rental properties in Idaho.
The foundation’s work has proven lifesaving. At least two families have had their lives saved by detectors distributed through the tournament. The organization also provides portable CO detection equipment to vacation rentals, addressing a gap in protection for temporary lodging.
Comfort measures for participants will include cooling stations with misters, water guns, and hydration stations—practical amenities for a summer outdoor event in Southeast Idaho heat.
What Comes Next
Teams interested in competing should register online at chubbucklions.org before the Thursday, July 30, deadline. The tournament kicks off Friday evening and continues through Saturday, with divisions designed to accommodate players of varying abilities and ages. In addition to the competition, attendees should plan to visit the NO C.O. Foundation tent to pick up free carbon monoxide detectors and learn more about preventing the tragedy that inspired this annual gathering.