Camrynn McMichael, 11, of Mount Vernon, was “seriously injured” during a fireworks incident on N. Canal Street in his hometown, according to the Indiana State Police. He later succumbed to his injuries while being transported to a local hospital.
Now, Alexandra Eaton, Camrynn’s aunt, tells PEOPLE the family will “never” buy fireworks again. “We will all be reminded, every time we hear a firework go off, [of] the loss of Cam,” she says, adding that he “was an amazing big brother” and friend.
A preliminary autopsy report showed that the boy suffered a fatal head injury from an accident involving a “firework mortar,” Posey County Coroner Bill Denning said on Tuesday, according to theEvansville Courier & Press.
Camrynn’s mother previously told the outlet that her son was protecting his younger sister “like a big brother should!”
Camrynn McMichel poses with his brother Damar and sister Karmynn.Courtesy of Amanda Eaton
One man, Timothy Land, even gave up $1,300 “of his hard earned money” to help the family pay for funeral expenses, Eaton tells PEOPLE.
“They need it more than I do,” Land told NBC affiliateWFIE, adding that he’ll “make money back” eventually. “They’re not going to bring their child back. It’s as simple as that.”
Camrynn’s father Stephen, left, and uncle Bert, center, pose with Timothy Land, who donated $1,300 to the family.Courtesy of Amanda Eaton
Eaton told the outlet that she and her family “cried” and “gave him a bear hug” after learning of his gesture.
“I know [Camrynn is] up there smiling, thinking he’s like the coolest person because, you know, here comes this strange guy just helping him out,” she remarked. “And that’s just amazing.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free weekly newsletterto get the biggest news of the week delivered to your inbox every Friday.
Although the family has received plenty of support, there have also been critics — and Eaton tells PEOPLE that her sister and brother-in-law “need prayers and time to grieve,” not “judgment.”
From left to right: Camrynn’s mother Kyrra and sister Karmynn pose with Camrynn his brothers Shane and Brysn.Courtesy of Amanda Eaton
“My sister has dedicated her life to Cam and my beautiful niece. And his Dad has turned this into motivation to be the best dad he can be, to make Cam proud,” she says.
“Everyone who has something to say please find it in your heart to just be kind as everyone on this planet earth isn’t perfect and we all are human,” she adds.
Additionally, aGoFundme campaignfor Camrynn’s funeral expenses has raised nearly $7,500 as of Friday afternoon.
From left to right: Camrynn McMichael poses with his aunt Alexandra Eaton, her daughter Bella, his mom Kyrra and his sister Karmynn.Courtesy of Amanda Eaton
Eaton tells PEOPLE that a vigil held for the boy on Thursday evening “was incredibly beautiful.”
“We couldn’t thank everyone enough for loving him, as I know he is smiling big up there with the big man playing ball,” she adds.
source: people.com
