KINGWOOD —- One of the four Preston High students injured in an accident on Feb. 6 has died.
Brayden Bishoff died 9:40 p.m. Thursday, according to a Facebook post by his parents.
They, “chose to honor him by donating his organs so that our tragedy can help others.” Thursday was National Organ Donor Day.
His parents thanked everyone for the outpouring of “love, prayers and support” the family has received since the accident.
They asked people to continue praying for the other three boys injured in the accident. They urged parents to talk with their children, hug and love them, and encouraged everyone to wear their seatbelts.
The four Bruceton Mills area boys were in a car that hit standing water on W.Va. 26 north at the intersection with Furfin Road. The car left the road and hit a tree. All are Preston High students.
Brayden was a member of the Lenox Loyal Workers 4-H Club. Earlier this week, 4-H clubs held gatherings to show support for the injured boys and their families.
“Brayden loved showing livestock, was a hard worker, loved to make hay,” said Jeff Jenkins, leader of the Lenox club. “ He always had this ornery grin and was very compassionate, with a heart of gold. He was always willing to help other kids with their animals at the Buckwheat Festival. He was very sociable, loved to talk. We will definitely miss him.”
PHS Principal Steve Plum said extra counselors were at the school Friday. PHS Guidance Counselor Kim Metheny said Assistant Principal Laura Shaffer sent an email to staff, offering for counselors to come into any classroom. Some teachers asked for the counselors, she said.
“We’re just doing whatever we have to,” Metheny said.
County Attendance Director Carol Riley was also available to help counselors and teachers. Additional counselors were at Bruceton School Friday as well.
There is no school Monday, so counselors will continue to work with teachers and staff on how best to follow up with students, Metheny said.
Plum said that “There’s been a tremendous effort on the part of students,” to support the families of all four students. They initiated the wearing of blue, representing healing.
