From
The AP. I posted about story about Nathan Vredevelt
March 4.PORTLAND, Ore. — A teenager with Down syndrome who was stuck by two cars after wandering away from a Portland Trail Blazers' game died on March 5.
The night before, Blazers fans donated more than $21,000 to help pay for 16-year-old Nathan Vredevelt's (pictured) medical care.
The 16-year-old was in a luxury box watching the Blazers play the Spurs on Sunday when he vanished. He wandered away from the Rose Garden and was struck on Interstate 5.
Family friend Brad Ketch said Nathan never regained consciousness after the accident. His family was with him when he died Thursday afternoon, he said.
"It was very peaceful," Ketch said.
Fans made donations for his care at the Blazers' game against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night and through the Blazers' Web site. The family did not have insurance for his care.
The Blazers contributed an additional $10,000, as did Southlake Church, bringing the total to more than $41,000.
"We are fortunate to live in a community full of people who rally together to tend to those most in need," Blazers President Larry Miller said Wednesday night. "Our hearts go out to the Vredevelt family, and we are among the many Portlanders keeping Nathan and his family in our thoughts and prayers right now."
The Vredevelt family issued a statement of thanks.
"We cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of your love and support. Your prayers are carrying us and God is revealing his grace minute by minute," it read.
Vredevelt was a sophomore at Gresham High School. He is survived by his parents, John and Pam Vredevelt, a brother and a sister.