ROCKLAND, Maine — The grandmother of the 12-year-old boy who died Friday afternoon after being struck by a Regional School Unit 13 bus said he was a loving and bright young man.
“Wise beyond his years. He loved his family as much as we loved him,” said Peggy DeVarney.
The family and friends of Brayden Callahan hug after setting up a makeshift memorial for the 12-year-old boy who died Nov. 21 at this location on Broadway in Rockland.
Brayden Callahan was the son of Shane Callahan and Kelly Morse. His grandmother said his family called him “Bray.” He attended Oceanside Middle School in Thomaston. The death has shocked the community, particularly parents of school age children.
DeVarney asked that people moved by the death make a donation to needy children in Bray’s name.
“I know every time I asked him what he wanted for his birthday or Christmas his reply was always the same: Legos,” she said. “So I would like to ask 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.”
DeVarney said the family just wants answers.
“How could this happen,” she asked, “with all the safety features these buses have?”
A GoFundMe account has been created to cover funeral costs.
In addition, Doran Wright, a pastor and youth advocate who serves as chaplain for the Rockland Police Department, said in a Facebook post that monetary donations will be collected “in support of the affected family” at a public service on Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Belong Church, a new non-denominational church located at 25 Rankin St. in Rockland.
“No need to attend to donate,” Wright said. “We will also hold a time of prayer and reflection during the 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. hour tomorrow to which the entire community is welcome.”
The church also opened at 1:30 p.m. Saturday for anyone needing a safe, quiet space to process, pray or reflect, he said.
This story appears through a media partnership with Midcoast Villager.