Kase Harry, a 13-year-old, holds up his “letter of intent” with an athletic coach at Janesville Craig High School, where he was set to start in the fall.
Kase Harry, a 13-year-old, holds up his “letter of intent” with an athletic coach at Janesville Craig High School, where he was set to start in the fall.
JANESVILLE — A GoFundMe has been organized to help cover funeral costs for Kase Harry, a 13-year-old cyclist who died in an collision with a city of Janesville trash and recycling collection truck on Monday.
Kase, who was set to begin his freshman year at Janesville Craig High School in the fall and play football, was the oldest son of Chris Harry, a U.S. Army National Guard member.
Family friend Cameron Henderson described him as a “happy go-lucky kid, who really had a lot going for him.” and that he was “always athletic and fit and throwing around a football, who gave you the thought ‘One day this kid might play for the Packers.’”
Henderson began looking for a way to aid his friend Chris and decided to start a GoFundMe.
“We met in 2010 and served together in the National Guard out of Janesville,” Henderson said. “At first, I didn’t really know what to do for their family or how to help. I don’t know how to take the pain away, but I know in that heavy grief they’re not thinking about funeral costs or how expensive it’s going to be.”
Henderson said Chris was, “the guy who laughs and keeps everybody straight and focused on the mission,” and deserved a space to grieve without the burden of practical concerns. He aimed to provide that relief.
The GoFundMe, , created a few days ago by Henderson has already reached $10,600 of the $14,000 goal, which he attributed to “a large military family coming together to support a fellow Soldier in need and a community ready to help.”
“Chris Harry is not only a good father, friend, and soldier, he is just one of those people that bring light to your life,” Henderson said on the GoFundMe, “I know he is going to be in a place of darkness for a while. If you can help bring some of that light back by helping him and his family through this tough time, the family will be much appreciated.”
Troy Avery, Sgt. 1st Class in the U.S. Army National Guard, served with Harry from 2010 to 2015, had shared the GoFundMe himself and donated. He said the response from people in the community here has already been “huge”.
“The community in Janesville is amazing and I take great pride in serving in Janesville,” Avery said. “Taking care of my city that takes care of others — family and community really are the greatest asset to those of us who serve.”
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the accident, which occurred at 10:21 a.m. at the intersection of Milton Avenue and East Memorial Drive. Janesville fire and police departments responded, and lifesaving measures were attempted on the cyclist, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Wisconsin State Patrol is currently investigating the incident.
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