Aaron Crawford, who loved Jesus, was counted as the 38th person who lost their life in the devastating Kentucky floods considered to be one of the worst floodings in history.
From the center of the devastating floods in Kentucky comes the inspiring and heartbreaking story of a teenager who sacrificed it all trying to help the victims, and continued to do so—even after his death.
A student-athlete from Knott County Central High School, Aaron Crawford, passed away a few days after assisting local flood victims. He worked tirelessly for three days before falling ill on the evening of August 2, according to LEX 18 News.
The 18-year-old felt that his arms were numb before he couldn't breathe any longer. Things kept worsening and CPR administered to him was ineffective as well. He was immediately airlifted to UK but the boy could not be saved even as he was put on a life support system for four days. On August 5, the doctors at Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital pronounced Aaron dead. He was counted as the 38th person to die as a result of flash flooding, per CBS News.
A family in Perry County is grieving the loss of a teenager who died after helping flood victims clean up over the weekend.
— LEX 18 News (@LEX18News) August 9, 2022
Aaron "Mick" Crawford died shortly after falling ill. @LEX18_Michael spoke to his sister about their family's tragic loss. MORE: https://t.co/fQEIoNNg1m pic.twitter.com/STDPt90fqV
Aaron's body was returned home in a law enforcement procession on Monday, as suggested by the Perry County sheriff and pastor, Joe Engle. Aaron's mother, Ronda Crawford mentioned that Aaron's cause of death is not known. She wrote on Facebook, "We do not know the reason and have no explanation for what happened."
Remembering Aaron as witty, fun and "strong as a bear", Engle said, "He loved superheroes, and he was a real-life superhero."
When the storm hit, Kentuckians like 18 year old Aaron “Mick Crawford jumped into action. He saw his neighbors in need, and didn’t hesitate to help. While helping with cleanup, he got terribly sick. He lost his life. pic.twitter.com/YOEieHwjr1
— Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) August 8, 2022
The young Patriots football player and wrestler knew many people had lost everything in the floods and desperately wanted to do something to help. Aaron decided to assist the flood victims by cleaning up and shelving mud. Recalling the last conversation Engle had with Aaron, he said, "As soon as we understood we had a major disaster going on here, he messaged me."
Engle added, "I'm not sure it had even quit raining yet by the time he sent me a message on Facebook. He said, 'Wanting to know where to go. Wanting to know where to help.' "
However, Aaron's desire to help people has not yet stopped and he will continue to impact many more lives. In her Facebook post, Ronda mentioned that the family is looking into organ donation because Aaron "had an amazing heart and would give anyone anything they asked from him. It’s what he would want." She also wrote that Aaron's final wish would be that "everyone come to know Jesus because that’s the most important thing in this world to him."
Aaron's sister, Rachel Crawford said, "I hope the organ donor recipient is worthy because they'll be getting a heart made of gold."
Britainy and I are praying for the family of Aaron Crawford, a heroic high school student in Knott County who was bravely helping in the recovery efforts following the flooding.
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) August 8, 2022
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When asked about Aaron's dying moments, Rachel said that what she remembers most are Aaron's last words before he became unconscious, which were "I Love you, Mom". Rachel also said that since they chose to donate his organs, an autopsy couldn't be performed and they may never know the cause of Aaron's death, per Louisville Courier Journal.
Gov. Andy Beshear called the teenager "heroic" and said that Kentuckians are grieving for the teen and "each one of the 38 individuals that are lost."
In another post, Ronda wrote, "My baby Mick is giving the gift of life as we speak. Because of him, others will have another chance. I miss him already but he is home now."
She ended the post with how much she loves her son, "I’ll love you forever my baby."
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Cover Image Source: YouTube | WLEX-1
