Fundraiser launched for deadly tubing accident victims; child hospitalized

Jun 24, 2025

HAWTHORNE, Fla. (WCJB) - A child is fighting for his life after a deadly tubing accident on a lake in Putnam County. The community has launched a GoFundMe to raise money for the family.

The fundraiser states Kalon, 10, is fighting for his life at UF Health Shands. He’s the son of a Citrus County deputy.

On Tuesday, Kalon and two other children, ages 8 and 11, were being pulled on a tube by a Sea-Doo jet ski on Star Lake when FWC officials say the tube hit a dock.

RELATED: Tubing accident involving jet ski kills 8-year-old, injures 2 other children: ‘It really hurts’

Neighbors told TV20, the youngest child was killed in the crash, and Kalon was badly hurt. The third child is recovering at home.

Kalon was visiting his grandparents with his sister at the lake when the crash happened.

“Despite the heartbreak, Kalon is making remarkable strides with unwavering strength and spirit,” the fundraiser states.

While in the hospital, Kalon’s mother has remained by his side. His father, a school resource officer at Homossassa Elementary, travels between home and the hospital daily.

Because neither parent can work full-time, a GoFundMe is raising money for the family.

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