Spring Lake Twp., MI (WGHN) – A young boy who was set to begin kindergarten this fall has died after an accidental drowning over the weekend in Spring Lake Township.
According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a drowning at a residential pool around 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. The victim, identified as 5-year-old Maxwell Ashcraft, was pulled from the pool but could not be saved.
Fruitport Community Schools confirmed Maxwell’s identity. He had recently completed the Great Start Readiness Program and was enrolled to start kindergarten at Edgewood Elementary School in the fall.
“Maxwell was a bright and joyful young boy whose life was tragically cut short,” wrote Superintendent Jason Kennedy in a letter sent to district families. “This loss is deeply felt across our school community.”
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was created to support Maxwell’s family with funeral and related expenses. As of Wednesday evening, the fundraiser had surpassed $109,000 in donations.
Organizers of the fundraiser also shared that Maxwell’s organs were donated, saving the lives of four others.
“Thanks to the incredible team at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, Maxwell was able to give the gift of life to four others through organ donation: his heart, pancreas, kidneys, and liver,” the post reads. “Maxwell is a true hero. His light lives on in others, and his legacy will never be forgotten.”
To donate or learn more, visit GoFundMe.com
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