Parents forgive driver after 7-year-old struck by car and killed in Fond du Lac
FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A child in Fond du Lac has died from injuries sustained after reportedly being struck by a vehicle.
The 7-year-old victim, identified as David Custance, had recently completed 1st grade at Pier Elementary School.
Custance's family is reeling from the loss of his life after he was pronounced brain dead Sunday June 25 after he was struck by a vehicle while crossing the street.
Within all the sorrow, the family found space to forgive the driver who took the only boy of the family away from them.
"He was the happiest person on earth, like he'd have his moments being a grumpy little kid, his temper tantrums but he could go to the park and make friends with somebody he's never met," said Melissa Custance, child's mother.
The City of Fond du Lac Police Department and the City of Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue responded near E. Pioneer and County Road V on Friday, June 23 at around 6:21 p.m. for a report of a child being struck by a vehicle.
Authorities released a statement on the day of the accident stating that it was believed the boy was attempting to cross E. Pioneer when he was hit by a 53-year-old driver. The boy was then reportedly transported to Children's Hospital-Milwaukee.
Custance said her son was a social butterfly at Pier Elementary School, the district sharing this statement saying in part,
It is with deep sadness that we provide you with this update. The Fond du Lac School District has learned that David Custance, who recently finished first grade at Pier Elementary School, has died from injuries he sustained after being struck by a vehicle on Friday.
This is a devastating time for our entire community. Counselors will be available to assist any students who may need help processing this news from 10a-12p tomorrow, Monday, at Pier.
We will share information on memorial services for David as soon as we know more. In the meantime, please join us in keeping his family and friends in your thoughts. Thank you for your support during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Fond du Lac School District
Custance said their son loved to be surrounded by people which is why they have decided to spread David's spirit by helping those who need it most.
"As of right now we’re going to donate his organs and they're talking about saving three to five people out there," said David's mom
They said although the last several days have changed their lives, they are choosing to forgive the person who took their only boy.
Fond du Lac police said this tragedy is still under investigation; there is no word of the driver will face charges.
Custance's uncle organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to help the family "in this battle to heal and adapt."