Family Mourns Loss Of Boy, 5, After ATV Accident
SPICER, Minn. (WCCO) -- A Minnesota family is mourning the loss of a 5-year-old boy after a weekend ATV accident in Kandiyohi County.
The little boy, Wesley Needham, was at the wheel by himself and not wearing a helmet. It happened Saturday just west of Spicer, where Wesley was visiting his grandparents.
His mother says he was spending the day with them while she finished painting her apartment.
"I was getting ready to walk out the door and go pick him up," said the boy's mother, Danielle Needham. "So is there guilt? Yes, there's a lot of guilt, because what if I had just left 30 minutes earlier?"
When no one was looking, Wesley grabbed the key to the ATV, pulled the coil to start it, and then took off. The ATV then overturned.
"Even though this accident happened, and that's what it is... an accident, I want them to know he probably had the biggest smile on his face," Needham said. "He was at his happiest on that four-wheeler."
Wesley's family describes the 5-year-old as an independent, outgoing child who loved playing outdoors, especially at his grandparent's home near George Lake.
Late on Tuesday, the family got an update on the organ donation process. They learned that Wesley's heart will be donated to a child who is a match.
Funeral arrangements for Wesley have been made. There'll be a visitation for him on Saturday and a celebration of his life on Sunday.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family cover expenses.