Christmas Night Tragedy In Hartford Devastates Family Of Fallen Middletown Teen: UPDATE

HARTFORD/MIDDLETOWN, CT — The Christmas crash in Hartford that claimed the life of a Middletown High School freshman also has three other family members fighting for life, the family said Monday.

Loved ones of the 14-year-old killed in a Christmas Day crash in Hartford have set up two separate GoFundMe pages to help the family cope with last week's unimaginable tragedy.

Meanwhile, a special memorial vigil will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 2 p.m. near the site of the fatal accident, which was the intersection of Hebron and Cornwall streets in Hartford.

According to one of the GoFundMe pages, which was set up by Middletown resident Shanika Bunch, the victim in last week's fatal was identified as Malachi James, 14.

A second GoFundMe was set up by Joanna James-Hill for the three family members impacted in the accident — Malachi's father, sister, and niece, who were all critically injured in the crash.

James was riding with family, reportedly coming home from a family Christmas gathering last Thursday, when the vehicle was struck head-on by a Tesla Cybertruck at 9:18 p.m. on Cornwall Street.

Several in the Toyota Camry that James was riding in were injured, with the teen pronounced dead at an area hospital.

The driver of the Tesla fled the scene on foot, with police still investigating the crash and searching for the fleeing suspect.

"A day meant for love, joy, and celebration became a day of unimaginable heartbreak. There are no words that can fully express the pain our family is experiencing," wrote Bunch.

She said Malachi was "deeply loved, and brought light, laughter, and meaning to everyone who knew him."

Bunch said the GoFundMe page was set up to support his family with funeral and memorial costs, with a $16,000 goal.

"His life was taken far too soon, and our hearts are shattered trying to understand a world without him. To know him was to love him," wrote Bunch.

"He was a shining light everywhere he went. As we grieve this devastating loss, we are also faced with unexpected expenses and the overwhelming reality of laying our beloved Malachi to rest."

Malachi's family issued a statement Monday regarding the crash, providing additional details and an update on the survivors' status.

According to the statement issued by family representative Rachel Brunson, citing the teen's uncle, Spenser McGhee, Malachi's father, Thomas "Christopher" James, Malachi's sister, and Malachi's 3-year-old niece, were critically injured in the crash.

In the statement, McGhee said Malachi's father has been unconscious since the Christmas Day crash.

Meanwhile, McGhee called his nephew "one of the sweetest kids you would ever meet."

"It's something you can't wrap your mind around," McGhee said of the crash. "For me, I'm on autopilot. You do what you have to do because it needs to get done."

McGhee said he's speaking out about the accident because they want the public to know the devastation the driver of the Tesla, who fled the scene, caused the family.

The family statement said Malachi was a freshman at Middletown High School, with the school administration last week issuing a notice to the school community last week about his passing.

"Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all who are affected by this tragic news," said MHS Acting Principal Ryan Mertel, according to the family statement citing the notice.

"The loss of a young person is heartbreaking, and our entire school community is grieving together. During this time, our priority is supporting the family, our students, and staff."

The family statement said Middletown High School offered counseling to students on Monday and will continue to do so when schools reopen on Monday, Jan. 5.

"We extend our heartfelt thoughts to the family and to all members of the Middletown High School community at this difficult time," Mertel said.

To donate to the Malachi James Family GoFundMe page, click on this link.

To donate to the GoFundMe page set up for Malachi's father, sister, and niece, click on this link.

From Dec. 26: 'Teen Killed As Toyota, Tesla Truck Crash In Hartford On Christmas: Police'