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ST. GEORGE — A 15-year-old St. George boy who was hospitalized following an off-road motorcycle crash three weeks ago died Saturday evening after being taken off life support.
Champ Salley, who had sustained traumatic brain injuries in the April 3 incident, died at Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City while surrounded by his family and loved ones, according to public social media posts.
Salley reportedly had been riding his motocross dirt bike the afternoon of April 3 when he was thrown from his bike, landing on his head. In a technical rescue effort involving teams from multiple agencies, responders worked to evacuate the teen from the scene of the crash and transport him to the hospital.
Family members reported that Champ did show some signs of improvement during his stay at Primary Children's, including moments of wakefulness when he was able to move his eyes and head in response to questions.
However, the boy's condition subsequently deteriorated, with doctors saying the damage to his brain stem was too severe.
"He was always so thoughtful and caring of others. So much so, that he chose to be an organ donor when he went to get his learner's permit just over a month ago," Champ's mother Alicia Salley wrote Monday on Facebook. Her statement also was posted as the latest update on the GoFundMe page* that has been set up on her behalf to help cover Champ's medical expenses.
Read the full article at St. George News.
*KSL.com does not assure that the money 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.
Correction: An earlier version incorrectly identified the date of Champ's death as Sunday, April 24 and the location of the accident as Gooseberry Mesa. He died on Saturday, April 23, ad the location of the crash was in central Utah's Juab County.
