HAWKINS, Texas — On Tuesday, Hawkins community members began rallying behind soon-to-be junior River Hammond who was severely injured in a crash on Friday, June 26, the same night as Hawkins High School's graduation.
"I've just heard an outpour of support and love for River," said HISD superintendent Susan Morton. "He's a very popular young man involved in many sports and also involved in the Future Farmers of America."
Morton confirmed on graduation night Hammond was flown to a Shreveport hospital after suffering traumatic brain injuries in a wreck.
"We just want River to know that we love him very much," Morton said. "We're praying for his recovery and if they need us in any way, we're here for them."
Former HISD Athletic Director Scott Evans says when he heard that Hammond was hospitalized, it put him in shock.
"It's hard you know," Evans said. "Because he's one of your kids, one of my kids."
He says Hammond was very involved in athletics during the last school year through multiple sports like football, baseball and track.
"He was a sophomore this past year and just a great kid, hard worker, just a pleasure to be around," Evans said. "Everybody loves him."
In the small East Texas town, the vocal support shown for Hammond and his family is only the beginning. Fellow classmate and friend Kylie Adams started fundraising through selling bracelets on social media.
Adams makes the bracelets in the colors black, blue and gold with words like #RiverStrong -- a hashtag being used by East Texans showing their support.
Adams is selling the bracelets for $10 each and said in just one day she raised about $400 to aid Hammond's family with medical expenses.
"I know God has a plan for y'all and I know that y'all will get through it," Adams said. "Hopefully it's a fast recovery."
"In Hawkins we're going to take care of all of our kids here, and we'll do whatever we can, whatever that family needs to make sure River makes a full recovery," Evans said.
If you wish to donate to Hammond’s GoFundMe account as he continues on this recovery journey, you can click this link.