Nearly $4,000 raised to support family of 7-year-old killed in Gastonia accident
GASTONIA, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The community is rallying around the family of 7-year-old Legend, who tragically lost his life after being struck by a car near his neighborhood.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help support the grieving family, and so far, nearly $4,000 has already been raised.
Legend was crossing West Hudson Boulevard with his sibling just before 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, when he was struck by a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. He was rushed to a local medical center with life-threatening injuries and later transferred to Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte.
Despite extensive efforts to save him, including being revived close to 12 times, he passed away around 10 p.m. that evening, family said.
On the fundraising page, Legend's mother shared a heartfelt message:
'My baby was only 7, about to be 8 in August, and he was tragically killed by a car accident right outside of his neighborhood. He was a momma's boy up and down. He was smart, creative, and even if he was ill, would always keep a smile.
He loved playing any sports. He was truly a warrior, but after being revived close to twelve times, he unfortunately passed away. We ask that y'all send prayers for our family in this time of heartbreak, and if you wish to give, anything would be very grateful.'
Balloons and flowers now mark the spot where Legend's life was cut short. Family members and members of the community have been stopping by to pay their respects.
PREVIOUS: 7-year-old boy hit and killed while crossing street in Gastonia: Police
His great-grandmother, Sharon Stewart, said that although she never had the chance to meet him in person, she felt the loss deeply.
'I cried as anybody would with a child being killed,' Stewart said. 'He was just a cute, sweet kid. My son would go and cut his hair, and they said he was respectful to adults. He'd say yes, ma'am, and yes, sir.'
The collision remains under investigation. Police said the driver, a 76-year-old woman, has not been charged at this time. Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have information to contact the Gastonia Police Department at 704-866-6702.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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