Zachary Hyde, the 14-year-old grandson of Mayor Andy Cook, died following a June 30 car accident while he and his family were returning from a family vacation to Michigan.
According to a GoFundMe page set up to assist with medical expenses for the family, the Hyde family vehicle was rear-ended. Zachary was riding in the back and was injured the worst. All passengers were unconscious and sent to the hospital. Zachary was airlifted and placed in a medically-induced coma due to extensive head trauma. He also suffered from a broken leg and a broken clavicle.
Zachary never regained consciousness and died July 6. The GoFundMe was set up by a family friend to assist with medical expenses since four members of the family were sent to the hospital. Since its creation, the page has surpassed its $10,000 goal and raised $12,370 as of press time.
Cook and his wife Barb released the following statement to the City of Westfield Facebook page on July 7:
“Yesterday we felt the pain no parent or grandparent ever wants to experience. My 14 year old grandson, Zachary Hyde, died following injuries sustained in a car accident last weekend. Zach was with his family heading to vacation when they were rear-ended in slow traffic.
He was a remarkable young man. Our heart, as a family, is broken.
We have faith in a God that will see us through this. I am thankful that, although physically and emotionally injured, the rest of our family has survived this tragedy.
God allowed us to be in Zachary’s presence for 14 wonderful years. We cherish every single moment. We are devastated but if we can say one thing from this place of despair, it would be to embrace your loved ones every chance you can.
We thank you for all the prayers and support.”
To donate, visit gofundme.com/hyde-family-medical-expenses.
