11-year-old hospitalized after weekend boating incident

Published 12:08 am Wednesday, May 22, 2024

SALISBURY — An 11-year-old sustained severe injuries during a boating accident on High Rock Lake Sunday but is reportedly doing well following three surgeries.

According to a GoFundMe page set up by a close family friend, the left side of Lincoln Crews’s body suffered serious wounds that would require “extensive surgeries” as well as rehabilitation treatment to start the healing process.

Crews sustained the injuries after reportedly falling out of a boat.

According to GoFundMe organizer Lorrel Hyde, the injury will involve long stays in the hospital along with a lengthy rehab stay.

Crews’s first surgery was on Sunday and lasted nine hours. He had a second surgery on Monday. According to an update from Hyde on Tuesday, “Lincoln is tackling this one step at a time and is doing amazing! Surgery scheduled today and tomorrow as well. Please continue to pray for no infection, as that is a priority due to the lake water. Spread the word about the Gofundme as that is the No. 1 way we can help this family at this time. Once things calm down a bit, help in other forms I am sure will be more realistic. Right now everyone is on autopilot.”

Hyde remains optimistic that Crews’s positive attitude and love for life will help carry him through.

“I have had the joy of knowing Lincoln his entire life,” organizer Hyde said in the GoFundMe post. “He is a beast on the field, a monster on the court. He is always moving, dancing, singing, wiggling or all of the above. He has the kindest heart and the most beautiful smile. He gives the best hugs and is always ready to make you laugh.”

Still, Hyde acknowledged that the family is now facing substantial financial burdens.

“Currently, Annette and Derrick have rented an Airbnb close to the hospital,” Hyde said. “Along with this cost, meals, gas, loss of work, hospital bills and future therapies, I know they would appreciate any extra help they can get.

“Derrick and Annette are amazing people, and I know they are loved by so many. This GoFundMe will be linked directly to their account so they can benefit from the support.”

To support Crews and his family during this time, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-lincoln-crews-road-to-recovery.