Chilton County community rallies around family after death of 8-year-old boy

THORSBY, Ala. (WSFA) - A community in Thorsby is mourning the loss of an 8-year-old boy who recently died following a medical emergency.

Eli Barnes, a youth baseball player whose sudden passing is deeply affecting his family and everyone who knew him, is being remembered as a vibrant young boy whose spirit and kindness touched many lives.

Emily Peek, a friend of Eli’s family described him as a loving child who was well-behaved and sweet.

“I think that was the first time that my children had met Eli.” she said. “It’s like from the moment, especially when he met my daughter, it was like locked hands.”

As Eli’s family tries to navigate the loss, the Thorsby community has come together to honor his memory.

Friday, Eli’s teammates remembered him during an 8-and-under baseball game at home in Thorsby.

The Troy Cheerleading Alumni Association has also created a GoFundMe to help the Barnes family.

According to the GoFundMe page, donations will go towards funeral expenses, memorial tributes and supporting Eli’s family as they face whatever challenges lay ahead.

If you would like to offer your support, you can do so here.

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