AMERICAN FORK, Utah, Nov. 25, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — An American Fork teen has died nearly a week after he was ejected from a vehicle in a rollover crash.
Keaton Smith, 17, and well-known in the community as an American Fork High School linebacker, died Friday.
The news was posted on a Facebook page called Pray for Keaton:
“It is with very heavy hearts that we post today. Our beautiful baby boy passed from us peacefully after a huge fight. We are so grateful for all of the support we have had. This is a huge loss for everyone who knows him.”
Smith, a senior who played for the American Fork Cavemen, was with his date and another couple in Pleasant Grove on Nov. 18 when another vehicle pulled in front of them near 530 West and 1100 North, according to Pleasant Grove police officials.
Smith, the only one of the four who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected when the vehicle rolled. He suffered a traumatic head injury. No one else was seriously hurt.
Smith was rushed to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, in Provo. He passed away on Friday.
A GoFundMe account to help pay for medical and funeral bills has collected more than $5,000 in four days.
Family, friends and fans offered condolences and paid tribute to Smith on the Facebook page:
“Your son had an amazing heart and was always there with encouraging words of support for my son Jackson,” a woman wrote. “He will truly be missed but will never be forgotten by all who knew him.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss, what an amazing young man he was,” one woman wrote. “I just loved his smile. Know my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this very hard time.”
“Some spirits are too special to remain on this Earth,” a man wrote.
“He had a special, beautiful soul that is soaring with the angels now, I just wish he could be here to continue to light up our lives here,” a woman wrote.
“Keaton was one of a kind,” a couple’s post said. “All who knew him were better because of it. We love you Keaton. You will be doing some amazing work on the other side.”
