ST. AGATHA, Maine — The St. Agatha community is coming together to support the family of 13-year-old Teddy Parent, who died Sunday after he was struck by a tractor.
On Monday, Wisdom Middle/High School in St. Agatha posted on Facebook about the loss of Parent and also shared ways that residents could help the family.
Principal Robby Nadeau, who has been in contact with Parent’s family members, said they gave the school permission to share the post and a photo of the boy with the Bangor Daily News. The family has said the support from the community has been tremendous, according to Nadeau.
The school described Parent as an eighth grader with an inspiring “zest for life,” who lived every moment to the fullest. Parent was a member of the Wisdom Pep Band. The school wrote that he brought energy and enthusiasm to Wisdom’s home games, uplifting the crowd with his infectious spirit.
“For those who knew him, Teddy was more than just a talented musician,” the post read, “he was a beloved friend, a cherished classmate, and a source of endless positivity.”
The school shared links to two fundraisers that were started in support of the family.
One fundraiser is Meal Train, which lets people support Parent’s family by purchasing them a meal during this time.
The other was set up online to help with the family’s immediate financial needs and had received more than $16,000 in just two days.
The Aroostook Mental Health Center also provided counseling support at the St. John Valley Tech Center on Monday.
The Lakeview Restaurant, located in St. Agatha, also announced that it was starting its own fundraiser for Parent’s family. It will donate all takeout tips received from March 10 to March 16 directly to Parent’s family. The restaurant will also donate an additional $2 for every order of wings, one of Teddy’s favorite meals at the Lakeview.
“Let us hold each other close, sharing our memories of Teddy and keeping his spirit alive in our hearts,” the school wrote in its Facebook post. “Together, we can navigate this painful journey, knowing that love and community will help us heal. We are so very sorry for your loss.”
