ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – A St. Johns County student with a love for football and ice cream is in critical condition following an e-bike crash in St. Johns County on Monday night, according to his football team and an online fundraiser.
The fundraiser identified Parker Anderson, 12, as the child who had to be airlifted to a local trauma center after he was involved in a serious accident while riding his bike.
The crash is being investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
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“Although Parker is now breathing on his own, he has not yet woken up, and the extent of his injuries remains unknown. His road to recovery will be long and challenging,” the GoFundMe raising funds to cover his medical expenses and recovery states.
Anderson is a student at Fruit Cove Middle School and plays football for the Creeks Outlaws, according to the fundraiser, and is “a sweet, funny, loving young boy.”
“He has a very long journey ahead. We also ask for many prayers to his health and family during this trying time,” the Creeks Football League wrote in a Facebook post.
Kyle Tholl, president of CFL Outlaws, recalled Anderson as a kid who loved the game of football.
“I see him all the time around the park coming in to get his equipment. Dad also helps coach with us. Dad’s a great assistant coach. Parker’s always getting his hands into something, running around,” Tholl said.
The fundraiser said Parker is being raised by his devoted father, Jeremy, who has been by his side every minute since the accident.
“Parker’s mom passed away six years ago, and since then, Jeremy, Parker and his big sister Payton have shared an unbreakable bond,” according to the fundraiser. “Parker is strong. He’s a fighter. And with your support, we believe he will have the strength he needs to heal.”
Bill Werle, a family friend, commended Jeremy’s strength in supporting his son.
“Jeremy rushed to the scene. Then they rushed to the hospital and ever since there he hasn’t left Parker’s side,” Werle said.
St. Johns County Fire Rescue told News4JAX that the crash was reported around 7:30 p.m. Monday on Race Track Road in Julington Creek Plantation “involved a middle school age child.” The crash is being investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
Tholl said Anderson’s teammates would continue to be there for him throughout his recovery process.
“He knows that he has the support from his community and he has the support from us. And that’s what we do. We just help each other out,” Tholl said.
The online fundraiser had already reached more than $37,000 as of Tuesday evening.
Click here to donate.
The football team announced in a Facebook post that it will be hosting a prayer circle at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Julington Creek Plantation Park.
