Candlelight vigil held for teen boy struck on East Parkway

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Family of the young boy who was struck while crossing East Parkway on Wednesday say he tragically did not survive his injuries.

14-year-old William McConnell was rushed to Regional One Medical Center following the crash, but was later pronounced brain-dead, family say.

“With William’s loving spirit in mind, his parents easily made the difficult decision to donate his organs, knowing that he would want to help as many people as he possibly could,” said Kim Enfield, who launched a GoFundMe page to help the family’s unexpected medical expenses and memorial costs.

“William was a sweet, genuine, kind-hearted, fun-loving kid,” Enfield wrote. “He never met a stranger and loved getting to know people. Wise beyond his years, he would sit and talk for hours with anyone he’d meet and tell the most interesting stories. His family and friends were his world, and he was greatly loved by all who knew him.”

A candlelight vigil was held for McConnell at 2388 Lovitt Drive at 8:30 p.m. Saturday night, where friends and family gathered to pray and mourn.

McConnell’s family plans to use the GoFundMe’s remaining funds to have a custom ramp designed by Society Memphis, his favorite skate park, in honor of him.

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