Thornbury was critically injured last Saturday in an auto accident. He was unresponsive all week at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton until it was determined Friday that he had no brain function. Thornbury remains on a ventilator, and as an organ donor, no decision has been made by his family when he will be taken off life support, officials said.
The Panthers’ home football game tonight against Indian Hill and all weekend extracurricular activities have been canceled.
The high school’s crisis team is available for students struggling with the news. The school’s multipurpose room is open all day for students seeking support, and will remain open tonight as long as needed.
The Thornbury family has asked for prayers and support, but also asked that students not come to the hospital.
Thornbury was driving late Saturday night when his convertible crossed a road, hit a guard rail and flipped. His younger brother Daniel was with him at the time.
An accomplished athlete, Brayden participated in Little Miami football for 12 years, starting at the peewee level. In last week’s 59-29 defeat of Western Brown, he rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown. He also played basketball and lacrosse for the Panthers.
As a junior, Thornbury led the team in rushing with 226 yards in five games. He also averaged 3.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the basketball team last winter.
Thornbury was a straight-A student and had taken part in a missionary trip.
“As far as a kid, I don’t think I can say enough good things about him,” head football coach Ben Hubbard said earlier this week. “There is not a better kid. He is one of the smartest kids I have been around and he did his missionary trip with great compassion. Everyone in the school likes him. It is a tragedy for everyone.”
Daniel Thornbury is a member of the Little Miami freshman football team.
Fellowship Baptist Church is collecting donations for the family. Checks can be made out to the church or to the family and mailed to: Fellowship Baptist Church, P.O. Box 219, Maineville, OH 45039.
Fellowship Baptist Church will be open from 5-8 p.m. Friday. It also welcomes all to its services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Sunday. The address is 247 U.S. 22 and 3, Maineville.
A memorial service will be held at the high school. A date is pending.