Toddler injured in West Jordan crash dies


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AMERICAN FORK — An infant critically injured in a Christmas Eve car crash in West Jordan has died from his injuries, police confirmed Monday.

Colum Pack, 18 months, was traveling with his family in a Suburban about 6 p.m. Saturday when an SUV jumped a median of boulders and trees and crashed head-on into their car. Parents Ryan and Kelly Pack, of American Fork, were also injured and remained hospitalized Monday in serious condition.

Chad Jacob, Kelly's brother, said he drove by the accident minutes after it happened. Three hours later he was notified that the family was seriously hurt.

The crash remains under investigation. The driver, a male in his 40s, was also seriously injured.

The child and both his parents were flown by medical helicopter to a Salt Lake area hospital in critical condition. A 3-year-old sibling, Finn, was also hospitalized. After a brief reunion in the hospital with his parents, Colum died on Christmas day at 9 p.m.

"Colum passed on in the arms of his parents in the hospital," a blog written by family members states. "Colum’s (spine) injury was too severe to repair and (he) was kept alive for his parents to say their solemn goodbyes." The parents "have been in and out of surgeries," according to the blog.

"He was always bent on making you smile or making you laugh," Kelly's brother Scott Jacob said. "He gave the best hugs to let you know he loved you."

Ryan and Kelly suffered serious injuries to their lower bodies and since Saturday, have had multiple surgeries. Their son Finn was released from the hospital on his mother's birthday Monday.

"Our family is grateful for the prayers and heartfelt messages they have and will receive," the blog states, adding that rehabilitation is expected to take longer than six months for Ryan and 12 months for Kelly. "Finn is recovering well," the blog states.

The family has set up* a Paypal account to help with the couple's medical expenses on their blog. They have also set up an account for Colum Pack at America First Credit Union, as well as one for the Pack family at the Bank of American Fork.

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Written by Brian West, with contributions from Jed Boal.

*ksl.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does ksl.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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