College junior DomiNick Downing was involved in a deadly motor vehicle accident which took the life of his cousin and best friend, Kaylen Downing. DomiNick was charged with driving while impaired when the crash occurred, though he has not been found guilty of such charges.
Despite emotional grief and life-threatening physical injuries, DomiNick and family members are establishing a scholarship fund in Kaylen's honor.
“Nothing will ever bring my cousin back, but Kaylen's gregarious personality and the special time we had together will always be [embedded] in my heart. With that, I have decided to start an annual $2,100 scholarship fund in remembrance of his 21 blessed years on earth.”
DomiNick himself suffered serious injuries from which he is still recovering. A Limbs for Life GoFundMe campaign started by family members in November continues to draw hundreds of contributors.
Then student-athlete DomiNick Downing poses with family members at 2011 Cary High School Senior Night.
Rob Orton, Director of Cary Cougars AAU Basketball, shared the following about his former student:
Dom is an extraordinary young man who worked his way through school at Glenaire Retirement Center and Verizon as an honor roll student-athlete. A driven person who is determined to succeed, Dom earned the highest honor of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America and is one of entrepreneurs behind the social media application ‘Yaheard’.
The previously mentioned Yaheard, LLC is a social networking mobile app which seeks to create a more effective way to engage in social debates. Co-founded by North Carolina State University students Joshua Puente and Robert Dates, Downing was serving as its Chief Marketing Officer.
Yaheard, LLC co-founders and executive team (left to right), Joshua Puente, Marcus Spruill, Robert Dates, and DomiNick Downing, pose for a Christmas photo.
Shedding light on DomiNick’s arduous recovery process, Orton continued:
Although Dom is a very positive person that greets everyone with a smile on his face, he now faces perhaps the greatest obstacle he will face in his life recovering from the mental and physical trauma of his accident. After enduring 10 surgeries over four weeks in the ICU, Dom has turned the corner in his recovery and was recently discharged from Wake Med to complete his recovery at home. Dom is determined to return to NCSU to complete his degree in Business and Information Technology but needs help with funding his portion of the medical care cost, rehabilitation, prosthetics, tuition, and many other things that will help him return to a normal life. Please help Dom by donating what you can and by becoming part of Dom’s Army by posting on the GoFundMe link on your Facebook page.
Several supporters have donated to DomiNick's campaign simply because of his shining reputation.
Dawn Hill commented, “I have never met you, but my little brother, Daniel Turner, speaks highly of you. Keep your head up high, I will pray for you.”
Brian Campbell, a former classmate, gave the following sentiment after donating fifty dollars: “DomiNick, thank you for all the kindness you showed me throughout high school. We’re praying for healing, strength, and courage for you from the Lord!”
Several of Downing’s college classmates and church members have also donated to both the scholarship fund and GoFundMe campaign. Money raised through Limbs for Life will help offset the costs of DomiNick’s medical expenses.
To donate to Kaylen Downing’s memorial scholarship fund, click here. To support DomiNick Downing's Limbs For Life GoFundMe Campaign, click here.
Correction: Article previously misstated that DomiNick Downing was driving while impaired; Downing has been charged but has not been found guilty of those charges.