The tight-knit community of Crum, West Virginia, was recently struck by a heartbreaking tragedy involving an 11-year-old and a family pet. After visiting relatives in the area for a few days, the victim and his brother, aged 12, were riding a side-by-side driven by their 18-year-old cousin’s boyfriend.
During the ride, a family dog jumped down onto the floorboard, stepped on the accelerator, and caused the vehicle to go off the road and over an embankment.
The two boys were accompanied on the journey by a woman and a 14-year-old girl on their own ATV, who witnessed the crash and contacted emergency services. When responders arrived on the scene, they found that the 11-year-old had suffered fatal injuries; the 12-year-old and 18-year-old both suffered non-life threatening conditions, and the dog escaped with minor injuries.
Assistant Chief of the Kermit Volunteer Fire Department, Wayne Williamson, spoke about the tragic event: “It is a shock to everyone in this small community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victim.” Many people in the area have been mourning the loss of the boy, who was taken all too soon and come together to do their best to support his loved ones during this difficult time.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder that life can be fragile and unpredictable, underscoring the importance of cherishing each moment.