‘His smile was intoxicating’: Family and school remember 10-year-old killed in a jet ski crash
“He loved everyone, was kind to everyone. Always ready to learn. Just a very, very good kid.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - As a fourth grader, Jack Gear was already reading above his grade level. His principal said he was never spotted without a book in his hand.
“He always had a book. If he got in trouble for anything, it was for reading too much, which it’s a great thing to get in trouble for in school,” Union City Elementary Principal Allison Palmer said.
His family says while packing for the Boxwell Reservation, instead of games or toys, he focused on which two books he would bring. It was while at camp when on Tuesday afternoon, he headed out onto Old Hickory Lake with a counselor on a jet ski.
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The two collided with another camp jet ski and were both taken to the hospital with injuries. Gear didn’t survive.
“There’s just a lot of shock, just a lot of disbelief that something like this happens,” Palmer said, “Just the heartbreak of losing a child is something that no one ever wants to have to go through.”
Gear’s family says it’s too difficult to speak right now, but wanted to share a few words about their ‘Little Jack Jack.’
He loved going on vacations and seeing all the places we were able to visit. He loved going to theme parks and riding roller coasters. He was so excited to be tall enough to ride the big ones. He loved to read anything and everything and would be starting advanced classes this year in fifth grade. He loved Percy Jackson and Harry Potter and all things Diary of a wimpy kid. He was the best brother our kids could ask for. He is the best boy. Our sweet Jack. Jack loved hugs and would always hug everyone he met. His smile was intoxicating.
The family said Gear deserved the chance to grow up with his siblings.
“He loved everyone, kind to everyone. Always ready to learn. Just a very, very good kid,” Palmer said.
She said to hug your kids extra tight. The school says resources are available to any students or families who may need them
“Try to cherish the time that we do have and use that time wisely that we have with our kids. And just love them while we have them,” Palmer said.
The crash is still under investigation.
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