BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. — The family of 14-year-old Christopher Abernathy made the decision early Monday to remove him from life support.
The teen was flown to Children’s Heathcare of Atlanta at Egleston in critical condition Friday night after he was hit by a tractor trailer.
The Georgia State Patrol says Abernathy was outside his stepdad's van helping to change a flat tire near mile marker 281 on I75 Northbound in Bartow County when the tractor trailer left the roadway and veered onto the shoulder, hitting the boy.
The truck driver has been identified as Albert Riha, 32, of Ringgold. Charges are still pending the outcome of GSP’s investigation.
Channel 2 Action New’s Steve Gehlbach spoke with Abernathy’s parents over the phone shortly after they made the difficult decision at the hospital. Through their attorney, they released a statement saying he hung on through the weekend, undergoing extensive testing, but: “The results of these tests have shown a lack of brainstem activity. After thoughtful consideration and prayer, the family has decided to donate Christopher’s organs.
They hope that their loss in this tragedy will help to save the lives of other children.”
The statement went on to say: “Christopher’s family is devastated by their sudden loss. They respectfully ask that they be given privacy and time to mourn as a family. They ask for prayers for Christopher at this time.”
Friend and fellow seventh-grader at Bartow County’s South Central Middle School Haley Williamson says Abernathy was a nice guy. “He was really sweet,” she said.
Most students learned of the accident over the weekend and got news of his passing while in school Monday. “I didn’t know what to do. My stomach hurt and I just started crying,” said Williamson.
Students say counselors and a pastor were made available in the school’s library to talk and pray.
Williamson’s mother heard about the accident and set up a gofundme.com page t collect money for the family to help with medical and funeral expenses. “Either way it was pretty much to help his family with wherever they needed to put the money,” said Billie Williamson. “Anybody that can help, please help.”
WSBTV
