Brayden Pearson, Our Hero #14 (Submitted photo)
By Sara VanLandingham
On Saturday, June 21, while swimming at Clark Park in Oak Ridge, Brayden Keith Pearson, age 8, began having trouble while snorkeling and was removed from the lake. Family and friends performed CPR, and 911 was called. Oak Ridge Fire and Police Departments responded. The fire department took over life-saving operations and Brayden was flown via UT Life Star to Children’s Hospital. Despite rescue companies’ life-saving efforts, Brayden was pronounced dead at 11:35 a.m. on Monday, June 23, but remained on life support.
Brayden was a lively little boy who attended Woodland Elementary School and played as #14 Boys and Girls Club of America Little League team. The family has decided the best way to continue Brayden’s zest for life is through organ donation to children currently in need. The family asks that anyone wishing to support them please donate to the Brayden Medical Fund at youcaring.com or directly to Children’s Hospital in Brayden’s name.
Due to the enormous outpouring of support, the family will be holding a public memorial service at Click Funeral Home on Middlebrook Pike. Arrangements to be announced or more info can be seen by visiting http://www.clickfuneralhome.com. Anyone planning to participate in the funeral procession is asked to contact Click funeral home directly for time, location, and instructions on lining up.
Due to the very emotional nature of this incident the family does not wish to make a public statement at this time. However, they would like to thank all of those who have shown such enormous support, the emergency personnel who responded, and the staff of Children’s Hospital. The family asks that they not be contacted directly, and that all media inquiries be routed through the family spokesperson.
The attached picture is for public use, and all media outlets are asked to use the caption “Brayden Pearson Our Hero #14.”
Sara VanLandingham is spokesperson for the family of Brayden Keith Pearson.
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