The Habersham County toddler who was severely injured in a head-on collision last week in Winder has died. 2-year-old William Carter passed away Tuesday at Scottish Rite Hospital in Atlanta.
William spent twelve days in the hospital after suffering a broken neck, broken collar bone and spinal cord injury.
His mom Katie Haun posted news of her son’s passing Tuesday on Facebook.
“Today, my sweet baby boy went to be with Jesus,” she wrote. “He went peacefully in our arms. There’s no more pain, and no more suffering. And I am so thankful that God gave us the opportunity to be your parents. We are so blessed. 2 years wasn’t long enough. But I’ll thank god for them every single day.”
#WilliamStrong
Before his death, Haun described her son as “so stubborn, and so strong.” The motto #WilliamStrong came to symbolize not just his character, but the hope so many held onto that he would survive. It became a rallying cry for a community eager to help the hurting family, and they did.
Thousands shared links to news stories about William and donated to help with his medical bills. People packed into a fundraising wrestling match at the Old School Wrestling Alliance in Cornelia. Dozens more contributed to an online fundraiser. The Habersham County Sheriff’s Office donated and installed a car seat for William’s baby brother.
Seven-month old Joshua was in the vehicle with William, Haun and her 11-year-old sister Ayla Davis when the accident happened. They were on their way to lunch to celebrate Ayla’s birthday. Haun and Davis suffered minor injuries. Joshua escaped unharmed.
Funeral
The Go Fund Me account originally set up to help with the William’s medical bills is now going to help pay for his funeral. So far, $1,430 of the $10,000 goal has been raised.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, February 23 from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home at 175 VFW Post Road, Cornelia, Georgia 30531. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 11 a.m. until the service hour.
To view William Carter’s complete obituary, click here.
