July 20 started out like any other summer day. Sixteen-year-old Kaleb Honea was driving with a cousin and a friend to go swimming when the day suddenly took a terrible turn. Kaleb's mother, Amanda, received news that no mom ever wants to hear. Kaleb was involved in a car accident and was in very serious condition.
Kaleb spent his first night at United Regional in Wichita Falls, but he was flown to Parkland Hospital in Dallas the next day. There, he underwent multiple tests and surgeries to determine the extent of his injuries. The whole time, his family never left his side. Kaleb received an outpouring of love from the Wichita Falls community. Countless people, including his football teammates, made the drive to Dallas to bring gifts, leave notes and just to "be there" for him.
Back home, blood drives were formed, t-shirts were made, fundraisers were planned and thousands of prayers were prayed for Kaleb and his family.
On August 4, around 11:00 am, Kaleb took his last breath. According to his mom, Kaleb's "peace was granted."
Kaleb's mom shared the following about him through a Facebook post, "Our son went into this world, and he mattered. Our son would do for anyone, and gave everything he could to anyone in need. He planned his life weeks in advance, and he never turned his back on someone in need. He loved spending time with his friends, playing football, and living care free."
To ensure that Kaleb's legacy of giving to others lives on, a scholarship fund has been set up through the WFISD Foundation. Because of Kaleb's undeniable passion for Rider football, the scholarship will be given in Kaleb's memory to a Rider student athlete pursuing higher education.
"Kaleb was a great young man who was a pleasure to be around and made the world a better place. He impacted so many lives and did it the right way. He will be missed but never forgotten," said coach Marc Bindel.
Thank you for your gift.
#42Strong #RamboStrong #KalebStrong