A 9-year-old boy from Chicago has been declared brain dead after falling down the stairs at a train station during a confrontation involving two men and a family member.
Elijah Flores, who had autism, was pronounced brain dead, according to his family’s GoFundMe fundraiser created to support him.
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CBS Chicago reported that Elijah was exiting a CTA train with a 22-year-old family friend when a fight broke out between the family friend and two men. During the altercation, one man allegedly threw an object at the family friend, causing both him and Elijah to tumble down the stairs.
The GoFundMe organizer described Elijah as “a true hero,” noting that he is donating his heart, lungs, and other organs to help others in need. “His selflessness will go on to save and change many lives,” they wrote.
A separate GoFundMe has also been launched to assist Elijah’s father with funeral expenses. “I am hoping to raise funds for funeral costs and expenses,” the organizer explained. “Any unused funds will be put in a trust for Eli’s siblings.”
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that authorities have not yet arrested anyone in connection with the incident.
