A 12-year-old Thomaston boy struck by his school bus has died from his injuries, authorities say.
Brayden Callahan was hit November 21 by the bus that had just dropped him off after school.
The tragic accident happened on Broadway in Rockland, part of the regional district including Thomaston.
Callahan was rushed to nearby Pen Bay Medical Center in neighboring Rockport with traumatic injuries and then flown to Maine Medical Center in Portland, according to police.
Rockland police and school officials said they are releasing no additional details pending an investigation.
“We ask that our community keep the student and their family in their thoughts,” the school district said in a statement.
Callahan attended Oceanside Middle School in Thomaston.
RSU 13 announced that the school will be closed on Monday so the community can mourn and support one another. Counseling services will be available to students and staff members who may need support.
Family and friends have begun a GoFundMe campaign for Brayden’s funeral expenses with a goal of raising $14,000. As of Monday morning, it had raised more than twice that goal and paused donations.
Timmy Thompson of Friendship, among area residents praying for Brayden’s relatives, posted on Facebook that the school district should finance the funeral.
That way, Thompson suggested, “the Gofundme money can cover daily expenses so the family can grieve and not worry about funeral costs and living expenses for a little while.”
Peggy DeVarney, the boy’s grandmother, called her grandson “wise beyond his years.
“He loved his family as much as we loved him,” DeVarney told the Midcoast Villager.
Brayden was the son of Shane Callahan and Kelly Morse.
“I know every time I asked him what he wanted for his birthday or Christmas his reply was always the same. LEGOs,” DeVarney said. “So if anyone is interested in donating to the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland, some LEGOs in his name would be greatly appreciated.”
At this point she said all the family wants is answers as to how such an accident could possibly happen.
