Karl Finch.Photo: GoFundMe

While crossing the street, a car struck Karl and one of his friends, the Taylorsville City Police Department said. Afterwards, Karl and his friend Spencer were both transported to Primary Children’s Hospital, according to separateGoFundMe pagesset up onbehalf of both boys.Karl “suffered a major trauma” and underwent surgery to “remove part of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain from swelling and also to remove blood clots,” organizer April Brede wrote on the boy’s GoFundMe page.Meanwhile, Spencer “sustained multiple injuries” and also underwent surgery to “remove blood clots from his brain,” according to a message on the fundraiser set up to help his family.
Karl Finch and family.GoFundMe

“There have been a lot of tears,” Karl’s uncle, Rich Brede, told Fox 13 News.“They’re all shaken up,” he added of the young boy’s parents. “It’s going to take some time to get through this.“Karl was remembered as a “kind-hearted, intelligent young man” who was “just beginning to make his mark in the world,” per a message on his GoFundMe account.In addition to being the oldest of four children, Karl was an accomplished pianist, a devoted student of the Chinese language as well as a “straight A student.”
“We hope incidents like this never happen, especially on Halloween weekend when children are outside celebrating,” Cottam added. “At this time, we pray for comfort for the Finch family. All of us at the City of Taylorsville extend to them our deepest sympathy.”
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Police have already determined that speed was not a factor in the accident, although an investigation is ongoing.
Per the authorities, the driver of the vehicle that struck the boys is cooperating with investigators. The driver has not yet been identified.
Spencer.GoFundMe

Although Spencer is expected to recover from his injuries, loved ones have noted that he has a “VERY long road ahead of him.”
“He loves life,” read a message on the GoFundMe page, which has raised over $26,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.
In addition to being remembered as “funny” and “honest to a fault,” the boy loves going on hikes with his family and “volunteering his time for a good cause.”
“His family has received many thoughts and prayers and are so grateful for the support,” the message continued.
source: people.com