ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – While their friend and teammate continues to be in critical condition in the hospital following an e-bike crash, a St. Johns County football team is planning a vigil for him Wednesday night.
An online fundraiser identified Parker Anderson, 12, as the child who had to be airlifted to a local trauma center Monday night after he was involved in a serious accident while riding his e-bike on Race Track Road near Julington Creek Plantation.
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.”
The football team announced in a Facebook post that it will be hosting a prayer circle for Anderson at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Julington Creek Plantation Park.
“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.
The GoFundMe said Anderson is now breathing on his own, but he has not yet woken up after the crash. He sustained a traumatic brain injury, including a fractured skull and a brain hemorrhage.
“The extent of his injuries remains unknown. His road to recovery will be long and challenging,” said the GoFundMe page, which is raising funds to cover his medical expenses and recovery.
The online fundraiser had already reached more than $52,000 as of Wednesday morning. Click here to donate.
Kyle Tholl, president of CFL Outlaws, said Anderson’s teammates will 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.
Tholl said Anderson is a kid who loves 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.
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The fundraiser said Parker Anderson is being raised by his devoted father, Jeremy, after his mother died six years ago.
“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, said Jeremy Anderson found out about the crash because a good Samaritan who stopped to help found Parker’s cellphone and called his dad.
Werle commended Jeremy’s strength in supporting his son.
“Jeremy rushed to the scene. Then they rushed to the hospital and ever since then, he hasn’t left Parker’s side,” Werle said. “They’re just holding out for hope. Lots of prayers. Lots of positive thoughts and lots of thanks to the community and first responders who responded out to the scene.“
St. Johns County Fire Rescue told News4JAX that the crash 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.
