“He was vibrant and full of energy, an absolute brute of a kid in the best possible way,” a family friend wrote
Credit: GoFundMe
NEED TO KNOW
- An 11-year-old boy, Parker Mitchell, died after a go-kart carrying him and his 8-year-old sister overturned in a pond earlier this month, his loved ones and authorities said
- His sister was “able to free herself,” after which she was treated by medical personnel and released at the scene
- “Parker was smart, kind, caring, and genuine. He truly excelled at everything he did,” his obituary read
An 11-year-old boy died in western New York earlier this month — right before the beginning of the school year — after a go-kart he was riding in with his sister rolled over into a pond, according to authorities and loved ones.
On Sunday, Sept. 6, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports that the small vehicle carrying two juveniles had overturned around 2:32 p.m. local time, according to the Democrat & Chronicle, WIVB and ABC affiliate WHAM.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered that a young boy, later identified as Parker Mitchell, was operating the go-kart with his 8-year-old sister in the passenger seat, according to WIVB and a verified GoFundMe created by a family friend.
While the girl was “able to free herself,” after which she was treated by medical personnel and released at the scene, Parker was transported to Strong Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. (The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.)
The go-kart incident occurred days before Parker, a talented football player, sports lover and straight-A student, was supposed to start middle school, according to the GoFundMe.
“He was vibrant and full of energy, an absolute brute of a kid in the best possible way,” the family friend wrote on the GoFundMe to raise money for Parker’s funeral expenses, remembering him as “one of those kids you couldn’t help but notice.”
“He was incredibly affectionate and had the kind of hugs that made you feel like he was always trying to squeeze the life right back into you,” the family friend wrote.
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“He had manners, was inquisitive and thoughtful. He paid attention and cared,” she continued. “He didn’t walk around acting like he was better than anyone even though he had something that very few people have.”
According to the family friend, Parker’s sister “is already learning what it feels like to lose someone she loves,” she wrote. “And her parents are trying to figure out how to help her through that while trying to survive their own grief.”
Parker’s football team, the Greece Chargers, separately paid tribute to the late athlete on social media.
“When one of our Chargers families hurts, we all hurt with them,” the team wrote on Facebook. “We are keeping Parker’s entire family in our thoughts and prayers and surrounding them with all the love and support our Chargers community can give.”
In addition to his athleticism, Parker’s obituary described him as a “natural trumpet player” and a “curious spirit” with a “wonderful sense of adventure.”
“He truly excelled at everything he did,” according to his obituary. “He had a good heart, and his kindness left an impression on the people fortunate enough to meet him. He had so many friends and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome.”
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