Naugatuck High School Teen Seriously Injured In Accident

NAUGATUCK, CT — A Naugatuck High School student was involved in a horrific car accident on his way back from a sunset cruise in Long Island, NY on Aug. 1. The teen, Avery Moore, 14, underwent surgery and is not able to move his fingers, legs and feet currently. His parents are a local firefighter and school teacher.

A goal of $50,o00 has been set and already in just one day $16,000 has been raised. Numerous local residents have posted messages of support for the Naugatuck family.

"Mrs. Moore - I am thinking of you and your family! I wish Avery the best in his recovery; and knowing you as a teacher I know what incredible strength you must have to support him. Please take care of yourself and know there are a lot of people cheering you all on. Lots of love - Kassie Fruin

According to the GoFundMe page:

"While on their way to a sunset cruise in Long Island NY, my nephew Avery, my brother-in-law Tom, my sister-in-law Becky & her nephew Tristan were in a serous car accident. Avery’s vertebrae was broken on impact and bone fragments went into his spinal cord causing him to not be able to move from the neck down.

He underwent surgery to remove the fragments and repair the broken vertebrae. He is able to move both arms now but not fingers, legs, feet. The doctors say it can take months to see if progress will be made for him to regain function from the waist down, but we are hopeful.

He is recovering in Stony Brook ICU in NY until he can be transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation center in CT. His journey is going to cost thousands and thousands of dollars to get him home and progressing. Please help with the financial burden my brother-in-law and sister-in-law now have to deal with on top of the emotional toll that they are enduring,"

The Naugatuck Public Schools said, "Wishing Avery a swift and complete recovery! Avery is a student at Naugatuck High School, his mother teaches at City Hill Middle School and his father is a firefighter. Any help to support his recovery from this terrible accident would be appreciated by his family."

The Naugatuck Professional Firefighters - IAFF Local 1219 said in a social media post, "Avery Moore has been a fighter since the day he was born, providing a consistent source of inspiration for his family and whoever has had the opportunity to meet him. Now 14 years old, Avery is facing his greatest challenge."

"Avery’s Dad is Captain Tommy Moore of the Naugatuck Fire Department. As a Firefighter, Tommy has devoted his life to helping strangers on the worst days of their lives. Avery’s Mom, Becky, is a teacher in City Hill Middle School, dedicating her life to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on countless children’s lives.

"As a Union and as a Community, we will do everything we can to return the favor to both of these community heroes and help Avery’s entire family through some of the worst days of their lives. As of August 7th, Avery is still recovering in a Long Island hospital. The exorbitant price to get Avery home to Connecticut is only the beginning of the financial burden the Moore family now faces."

"As a preliminary fundraising effort, Local 1219 is hosting a Pasta Dinner at the Elks Lodge with a minimum recommended donation of $20 at the door. Raffle prizes and additional donations will always be accepted with all proceeds going directly to ease the financial burden of the Moore family.

"If you are unable to attend, please consider donating directly through Avery’s GoFundMe campaign (link in invite), or to avoid GoFundMe’s fees, please make contributions to the family through Local 1219’s Sunshine Club. Please make checks out to NFD Local 1219 Sunshine Club, and write Avery Moore in the memo section. Checks can be sent by mail to L1219, P.O. Box 571, Naugatuck, CT, 06770, or dropped off at Fire Headquarters." (The pasta fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 25 at 5 p.m. at the Elks Lodge.)

"Nothing can take away their pain, but we can ease their burden. These are just some small ways we can help Avery, Tommy, Becky, and Avery’s triplet brothers Brody and Casey. The challenge Avery and his family are now facing is no small one, but with his proven ability to persevere we are confident he will exceed any expectations his doctors may have," the Fire Union concludes.

>>>Click here to view the GoFundMe page.

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