Teen dies days after being struck while on scooter in Lakeville
LAKEVILLE, Minn. — Two days after a teenager was struck while crossing a busy Lakeville street on a motorized scooter, his family says he did not survive.
Loved ones gathered at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis on Wednesday afternoon for a "hero's walk" for 14-year-old Max Wilson, as he donated his organs to help save other lives.
Wilson's family said they hoped and prayed for a recovery but he unfortunately did not make it because of the extent of his brain injuries.
Police say the crash happened just before 4 p.m. Monday at the intersection of 179th Street West at Granby Lane.
The driver of the vehicle that hit the teen was not hurt. It is unclear if they could face criminal charges.
A GoFundMe set up to help Wilson's family says, "he is so full of life, happiness, and joy. If you were one lucky enough to know Max, you know he lights up every room he walks into. Max loves sports, his family, his dogs, his friends, and adventures."
His family also sent WCCO a statement saying, "Max loved helping others, he always put everyone first. At Lakeville, he even recently received the American Citizen Award. He was a special kid."
The family's GoFundMe has now raised more than $50,000.
Family, friends celebrate Wilson's life at hero walk
There were tears and hugs for a generous gift from a teenager known for his big heart.
Family and friends celebrated the chance of life Max Wilson is giving to others. The life and legacy of Wilson were honored by raising the "donate life flag."
The 14-year-old is remembered as someone who always put others first.
His family says he wanted to be an organ and tissue donor and, in their sorrow, surrounded by those who love and respect Wilson, they stood shoulder to shoulder to grieve and to celebrate his life.
"Max, you are leaving this earth much too quickly the machines are doing the work and we know it's no longer you help us to let go of your life on earth to sense the heroic presence of your spirit and allow your body to be a gift of help to another, " said Sarah Lindberg, chaplain at Hennepin Health Care.
His friends dressed in red, the colors of Lakeville North. Clinging to each other for support, their tears were uncontrollable at times.
"And if anyone has a memory they want to share or something they want to say right now go ahead and speak up," Lindberg said.
They had no words, just sorrow and grief.
While parents tried to console their children, Wilson's uncle thanked all for their care and support.
"We are grateful for it and everybody who showed up wearing the beautiful red he was a wonderful, wonderful person and he will be greatly missed thank you everybody for coming today," said Erik Wilson.
High school football players who coached Wilson when he played little league signed a football for the family.
His grade school friends grabbed hands and formed a circle to pray.
Through their sorrow, they know there is hope for life for others.
"Let's pause and bless this time of waiting and bless the gift of life Max's body will give to others, " Lindberg said.
His family spent their last moments with Wilson during the hero walk, but his generosity will live on in others and save lives.
Residents say traffic problems rising as Lakeville grows
On Tuesday, WCCO spoke with Lakeville residents Ashley and Steve Christensen, who said they've been concerned about safety in the area for a while.
"Very, very sad, very tragic situation, and very scary just how fast cars are driving," said Ashley Christensen. "There's a lot of kids in the neighborhood."
There is lots of new construction in this part of Lakeville, one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the state. With new housing developments under construction, neighbors say roads have been reconfigured to adjust to the population boom.
"The city of Lakeville, they closed Dodd (Boulevard) going all the way through and put in 179th (Street West). And if you're not aware, 185th (Street West) was also put in that connects Cedar (Avenue) and (Interstate) 35," Ashley Christensen said.
The Christensens said it's been open for about a year and there is a lot of traffic, making it hard to make a turn across the intersection.
"Dodd has been reconstructed, kind of diverted all of the traffic from Dodd over to 179th, so that's where we're seeing this influx of traffic here," said Steve Christensen.
Stop signs are on the north and south of the intersection while traffic flows east and westbound on 179th.
The Christensens believe there should be traffic control at the intersection, where there are many families with children.
"If there were stop signs or even if like a roundabout that would help with the traffic," Ashley Christensen said. "I think anything we can do to help, you know, slow the traffic and make it easier for pedestrians crossing or people trying to turn or get on the opposite side of the road."