Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — Four months after more than 65 percent of her body was burned in an accident, a Timpview High School student was taken off life support.
The decision to take 15-year-old Baylee Brooke Hoaldridge off life support was made by family Sunday afternoon, according to a post on the Be Brave Baylee Facebook page. She had been in the hospital since July 4 when the rental ATV she was riding caught fire.
On January 13, 2000, a bouncing baby girl was welcomed to this world by two loving parents and an excited big brother....
Posted by Be Brave Baylee on Sunday, November 15, 2015
"Tonight, our beautiful, vibrant, hilarious, energetic, funny, loving, caring, passionate, and full-of-life girl is in the process of returning to the loving arms of her Heavenly Father," the post reads. "Her battle on earth is finished. She can now fly with the angels, free from worry and free from pain. This girl was the bravest girl in all the land."
Baylee was previously scheduled to undergo her 28th surgery Monday, according to the Be Brave Baylee Facebook page. She was reportedly battling infection and had gone into septic shock multiple times.
"She's got a really strong heart and strong lungs," said her father, BJ Hoaldridge. "Because of that she is still here with us but she is deteriorating pretty fast. But she is surrounded by so many people who love her and it has been good for all of us to be here with her and say goodbye and share memories and watch videos. It's been an amazing, spiritual experience."
Her father was emotional Monday and said that although the family is heartbroken, they are happy Baylee won't have to endure or suffer anymore. At 3:22 p.m. on Monday, Baylee passed away.
"She was the heart and soul of our family," Hoaldridge said.
I love my sister! She'll be in a better place! She was the best example! I know I'll see her again soon! #bebravebaylee❤️❤️❤️
— bdog (@BraydenHoaldrid) November 16, 2015
Students at Timpview High School wore their "Sunday best" to school Monday in honor of Baylee. Back in September, Timpview students crowned Baylee to be their sophomore homecoming princess. Students from other schools in Utah County, including Spanish Fork, Maple Mountain and Provo, also dressed up Monday, according to Hoaldridge.
He said it has been amazing to see how his daughter has been an inspiration to thousands of people. The Facebook post from Sunday night already has more than 16,000 likes and 4,700 comments.
"Those are the comments we love to read," he said. "She has inspired so many people. She's taught people to pray again, to have hope. She has touched so many lives."
Everyone please dress up tomorrow for Baylee Hoaldridge. She was so strong and amazing. Say a prayer for her family.💓💓 #bebravebaylee
— Emily (@empope9) November 16, 2015
Rest in paradise my sweet friend. You changed my world for the better with your smile. I love you.💙💙💙#bebravebayleepic.twitter.com/nlXmvDz022
— boo thang (@jilly_bean1616) November 16, 2015
Prayers go out to the Hoaldridge family from the Timpview family. we love you, and miss you already Baylee. #bebravebaylee
— timpview unity (@timpviewunity) November 16, 2015
for the year I knew her Baylee was such a bright minded and amazing girl. will always cherish the time I had with her. #bebravebaylee RIP👼🏼
— Bailey Johnson (@B_Wall05) November 16, 2015
Contributing: Heather Simonsen
