PHOENIX — Funny, kind and sweet. It's how the family members of 11-year-old Donald Harms describe him. Their lives changed forever on Tuesday morning when his mom's car suffered a blown tire while heading back home to Tucson, resulting in a rollover crash that killed the young boy.
His family said he goes by the nickname "Noley." His family says he loved football, puppets, and his siblings. His dad, Brandon Bakken, was emotional when describing his relationship with his young son.
“I raised that boy. I taught him everything. So it's rough. It's real hard," Bakken said.
They are emotions Bakken never thought he would be forced to endure.
"I just miss him a lot. I just can't believe it. It hurts really bad," Bakken said. "All the memories of when he was a baby, and how many good times I've had with him all the time we spent, all the smiles I see, and every hug and kiss after each day."
Noley's family says it was difficult for his mom to regain control of her SUV when the tire blew. Even with a newly replaced set of tires on her car, this freak accident still occurred, something his family is struggling with.
“The tires were just replaced. I think they said that there might have been something in the road that might have hit the tire and it just popped," Stacia Rodriguez, Noley's aunt said. "It just, it shouldn't have happened.”
Peace is often hard to come by during times of immense loss. However, Noley's family is finding a little bit of it by knowing parts of him are now helping others live.
“They donated his retinas, his heart valve and his knees, and all three of the patients that received him are recovering beautifully," Aaron Rinker, Noley's uncle said. "So he gave somebody sight. He gave somebody a life, and he gave somebody the ability to walk. That helps us.”
A GoFundMe has been set up for the family's expenses, including funeral arrangements and medical bills. Click here to donate.
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