Aaron Crawford, an Eastern Kentucky teenager, couldn’t stay still while watching the flood-ravaged families he knew. He decided to do his best to help, but his health began to decline a few days later.
The Kentucky flooding is just one in a long line of natural disasters that affect the United States every year. Many people were left homeless after the floods began over a week ago.
While many families are still looking for family members that are missing, others are grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Yet, survivors have shared heartbreaking stories about their struggle to save their families and how they barely made it through this terrible period.
Many are still struggling to accept the reality that once vibrant towns are now filled with empty houses, businesses, and families.
Yet, there is a heartbreaking story about a young man who died trying to help those in need. Here’s what happened.
A TEENAGER FLEW TO HELP FLOOD VictimS
Aaron, 18 years old “Mick”Crawford was devastated to hear about the state’s flooding. Crawford lived in Perry County but was a student at Knott County High School. He knew many people who had almost lost everything due to the flood.
Aaron, a Patriots player and wrestler, couldn’t stand by and see the suffering of others so he decided he wanted to do something. The teenager decided to help flood victims by cleaning up the mud and helping to shovel it.
Aaron put in three days of hard work to help the flood victims. On August 2, however, the teenager began to feel something was wrong in his body. He noticed his arms felt numb, and he was not feeling well. So he returned to his parents.
SUDDEN FAILURE OF AARON’S HELTH
Unfortunately, Aaron’s health deteriorated rapidly after he returned home. His family told him that he couldn’t breathe and that his heart felt strange. He stopped breathing at night, and CPR didn’t work.
Aaron’s parents rushed Aaron to the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital immediately. Rachel, Aaron’s sister, stated that the doctors told him that his lungs were not functioning properly and that his brain would not allow his lungs to function normally.
He was taken to ICU and fitted a ventilator that assisted his breathing. After four days with the ventilator, and no progress, doctors declared him dead.
AFTER AARON’S DEATH, AARON’S FAMILY SPEAKS OUT
Ronda Crawford, Aaron’s mom, shared the news of her son’s passing on Facebook on August 7, two days following his death. She thanked everyone who had prayed for her family and son after he was transferred to the hospital.
Ronda told Ronda that Aaron returned home feeling sick after three days of flood relief. She later admitted that doctors had told her family that Aaron had died the morning after helping flood victims for three days. However, they don’t have any specific explanation.
The mother of a grieving child also stated that her family was considering donating Aaron’s organs, as they knew their son’s incredible heart and willingness to give everything. Ronda was then :
“If Mick could give us his final wish it would be that everyone come to know Jesus because that’s the most important thing in this world to him.”
Ronda thanked her well-wishers for their support and asked them all to pray for the family. Aaron’s sister Rachel noticed that Aaron wanted to help others; he stated that that is what God wanted him to do, since he had the strength.
Rachel hoped that the person would be there. ReceiveHer brother’s organs would be well-suited for it, as they would get a heart of gold. She said that her brother’s heart beats automatically because he had strong hearts. However, he couldn’t breathe.
Her brother, who was also an organ donor, passed away in December. They decided to donate his organs. She would love to meet people who will be receiving her brother’s organs.
Rachel spoke out about Aaron’s last moments and revealed that her father brought Aaron home after he became ill. She also declared His final words were “I Love you, Mom,”Aaron used that expression a lot.
Aaron was declared deceased and flown back to Eastern Kentucky. After that, he was taken by police escort. It started at County Line Church.
Perry County Sherriff Officer Joe Engle, who was at the forefront of the law enforcement procession which brought Aaron’s body home, LaudedThe late teenager was a hero. Engle revealed that Aaron loved superheroes, and that the teenager was himself a superhero.
Rachel was pleased with the way her brother was remembered, but it was still difficult for Rachel and her family to understand his passing.
They also noted that Aaron’s wrestling and football teammates, his family, and friends all needed prayers. After his death was announced, tributes poured in for the late teenager, including one from D&D Sports, with the company Tweeting:
“Please Pray for our Knott County family and the family of Aaron Crawford, yesterday while doing hero’s work, shovelling mud for local flood victims, Crawford was taken from us!”
FLOOD SURVIVALORS CONTINUE TO FACE NEW PROBLEMS
Despite all the heartbreaks and losses, the people of eastern Kentucky have not given up on their quest to overcome more obstacles. Most people were fortunate to be able to. Survive Many people still experience the trauma of losing their belongings after the floods.
Many people are still stuck on the roads and bridges that have collapsed, leaving their homes, businesses and families in ruin. After barely being able to flee, many people still have difficulty getting food, water, and medicine.
Susan Polis, Fleming Neon Mayor, cannot accept the damage that the flooding has caused. Susan stated that she wasn’t prepared for the destruction their small town would face after the floods. She claimed it looked like a war zone.
The city hall was destroyed and officials were forced to live in makeshift tents. There was also no water supply, as in many nearby communities.
Allen Bormes, Chief of Police for the City, spoke out about their plans to rebuild the town after the flood. He noted that the residents deserve it, having lost everything.
Because the city was virtually impossible to reach after the floods, many community members have worked to make it better. People from the community worked together to dismantle the bridge that was causing people to be trapped.