The Academy Middle School student who was critically injured in an ATV accident on Friday night passed away on Tuesday night, according to the benefit page set up by Amy Chase for the family.
Aiden Martin, 14, was riding an ATV at a friend's house off Reed's Lake Road when it somehow flipped and landed on top of him.
"My kids go to school with him, I have one in middle school and in high school and my daughter actually told me about the accident," Chase said.
The accident put Aiden in a Coma, one that the Academy Middle School eighth-grader never woke up from.
"It's heartbreaking. Anytime you lose a child, that's just heartbreaking, that's not the outcome that anybody wanted, you know we all wanted him to pull through, but sometimes that just doesn't happen," Chase said.
It's an accident that broke the hearts of the Little-River Academy community, but it didn't break their giving spirit.
"We have the benefit that's going to be on Oct. 7, we're doing different dinners throughout the community so just different businesses in the community are giving back as well," Chase said.
Chase said the decision to help Aiden's family was an easy one.
"The last thing you want to think about when you lose a loved one, especially a child is how are you going to pay for everything... and now they have funeral costs to consider and I couldn't imagine having to mourn my child and having to worry about that as well," Chase said.
Academy ISD athletic booster club identified the student as eighth-grader Aiden Martin.
Kevin Sprinkles, Academy ISD Superintendent provided the following statement on Wednesday after Martin passed away.
"Academy ISD is deeply saddened to learn that one of our 8th grade students passed away on September 1 8, 2018, after suffering injuries related to an ATV accident. The district's prayers and sincere condolences go out to his family.
The district is concerned about the emotional impact of this situation on the many students who knew and loved him. In response to this tragedy, we plan to have counselors and trained professionals available to respond to the needs of our students, families, and staff beginning Wednesday, the 19th, and throughout the week, as needed. In the meantime we encourage parents to talk with their children about their feelings to help them work through their grief and emotions.
As we move forward during this time of grief, please keep your thoughts and prayers with the families impacted by this tragedy."
A candlelight vigil was held for Aiden on Saturday night.
A fundraiser will be held at Chili's on Sept. 24-25. A silent auction is also being planned.
Wings, Pizza N Things in Temple is donating a portion from it's sales on Sept. 26 to the fundraiser.
Community Members are also selling "Aiden Strong" t-shirts online and at the Academy High School Homecoming game on Friday.
There are several other activities happening in Central Texas to raise money for Aiden. According to the Aiden Martin Benefit Facebook Page, these are the things they have going on so far:
Chili’s has agreed to do the fundraiser night September 24th and 25th (there will be a flyer they will provide that you MUST present on those dates. CORRECTION: 15 percent will go to Aiden’s family.
Wings Pizza and Things Wednesday September 26 ALL DAY.
Raising Canes in Temple has agreed to do a few dates as well. No flyer needed. They donate 15 percent.Benefit for Aiden Martin: Sunday October 7 @ SPJST in Academy (pending confirmation)
Here’s what is what we’re in need of (maybe be more specific things as we get further into planning):
Items donated currently:
- Salon gift certificate to Main Street Salon in Salado courtesy of Shea Sheperd
- $200 gift card to Salon Karen courtesy of London Wilson
- Gift basket on Younique products
- Birthday party package from Extreme Cheer and Tumble
- Crocheted blanket(s)
- Donation from Bohemian Beauties Boutique ?? VIP
- Donations (TBD) thanks to the Oscar Store and Mr. Thomas Maddux
- Decorative Wooden Porch Signs
- Washer board and washer set
- Scentsy gift basket with warmer and scentsPaperGraphics Printing and FAST SIGNS in Temple has offered to make posters for this once we get everything worked out. Please share this information with anyone that would like to help in anyway. They can also contact me 512-591-4104 or message me on here, as well as Stephanie.
Aiden's funeral service is set for Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. at Temple Bible Church. The benefit page said all are welcome to attend, the family just asks that during the graveside ceremony is limited to just close family and friends to have a private moment to say their goodbyes to Aiden.
The Crotty Funeral Home in Belton is hosting the service and they want everyone who attends to wear green. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 24.
For more information, visit the Aiden Martin Benefit Facebook page.
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