14-Year-Old Dies in ATV Accident 2 Years After Family Lost Older Son: 'They Are Both Happy and Free'

Mar. 15, 2025

Eric Harper.Photo:GoFundMe

GoFundMe

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the Lawrence County Coroner’s Office confirmed the death of Eric Harper, NBC affiliateWSAZand Fox affiliateWDKYreported.

The coroner’s office said Eric died at the scene, the outlet added.

According to hisobituary, Eric was born in Louisa and “loved the outdoors, riding 4 wheelers and enjoying the hills.”

His sister Cortney wrote in aGoFundMefundraiser to help pay for expenses and the boy’s headstone that the Eric’s older brother Steven died in 2023.

“Eric was so full of life and strived to be just like his big brother Steven. … He was the most kind hearted, loving, caring & adventurous 14 year old you’d ever meet,” Cortney said. “He loved the outdoors & just being a boy — most of the time if you seen him riding he would have his dog along adventures with him, they were the best of friends.”

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Lisa also paid tribute to her son, saying that “Eric sure loved life and anyone that knew him knew,” according to a Monday, March 2,Facebook post.

“He would smile so big cause he loved his big brother and missed him soo soo much,” the mom added. “And hard as it may seem to us left behind, Eric is with Steven again and he’s happy and pain free.”

“I ask myself why us again why,” she continued. “We wasn’t even healed from the first one but I know we live on borrowed time and it’s Gods plan, and they are both happy and free with Jesus. Until we meet again. I love you soo soo much and I miss you soo soo much Eric Harper and Steven.”

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the Lawrence County Coroner’s Office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

source: people.com