The Mount Airy community is mourning the tragic loss of a 13-year-old boy, Mason, who was swept into a drainage pipe and killed during a flash flood on Thursday, and is now rallying to support his grieving family, having raised over $6,000 in two hours.
According to a GoFundMe campaign created to help the family, Mason was swept off his feet by fast-moving floodwaters at 5:20 pm on Thursday, July 31st, just 20 feet from his family’s apartment. Mason’s 15-year-old brother, mother, and neighbors were present and tried to save him, but the water pressure was too strong. Responders worked tirelessly for more than 45 minutes to free him from the pipe, but by the time they were able to recover his body, it was too late.
The GoFundMe page describes Mason as “the kindest, funniest, most optimistic young man,” and an “avid skateboarder and animal lover, loyal to all who he cherished.” The family writes of the immeasurable loss, stating, “There is now a darkness in our family where his light used to shine.” The family is humbly asking for support to fund Mason’s funeral, burial, and a celebration of his life, as well as health services and other expenses as they face an “unimaginable journey.”…