Forever our track star, Jermaine McIntyre

July 28th started as any other Friday. I’m at work as is my sister. I see a Facebook post about a drowning victim at a local campground. I message everyone I can think of that has children that could be there to make sure they’re ok. My sister Ashley is at work so Jermaine’s at home, in my head. Don’t need to text her. About an hour later she walks into my work and asks if I’m there. She then tells me that Jermaine went swimming with a friend and drowned and was being life flighted to Chicago. There’s no way. It’s what you read about, you never fathom it’s gonna be your baby. It took a while to be able to see him because they couldn’t stabilize his vitals because of how much water and blood was in his lungs. The doctor comes in and tells us that they will do everything they can. At this point there is brain damage but he is still here. It was too early to tell the extent. Understandable, he’s here and that’s all that matters. He then says that they’re going to keep him sedated because of the possible brain swelling and to try and help his heart regain strength to get his lungs clear but it is not looking good. The nurse tells us she doesn’t expect him to make it til morning. Midnight comes and it’s a small miracle. He made it this far. He was responding to the blood transfusion he was given. The oxygen in the donor blood was helping his oxygen levels. As the morning went on, the doctor lets us know that with all of the fluids going into Jermaine and none coming out, they would have to stop at some point in the near future to avoid putting him into cardiac arrest. At 2am July 29th his vitals start to decrease and the doctor lets us know that his body is no longer reacting to the blood and plasma as well as he had been and that his heart will stop at some point. At which time they’ll do cpr but if his heart doesn’t restart they have exhausted all that they can do for him. Right before 7am he passed away. In that split second so many lives will forever be changed.

A few friends of Jermaine’s stopped by and told his mom that Jermaine was an inspiration and everyone liked him. He was the kid that saw someone sitting alone at lunch, so he’d go sit next to them. Because that’s just the great kid he is. Jermaine was a great brother, an amazing son and a perfect nephew. He was a star athlete who went to state for track. He played football and killed it on the soccer field. He played soccer anytime there was a chance. He was supposed to be starting his freshman year at Streator High School in a few weeks and instead his mother will be planning his funeral. An unfortunate accident just going swimming. Something he’s done a thousand times. While at the hospital we were notified that there has to be an autopsy performed before his remains can be released to our family.

No parent should have to bury their child. Especially at 14. You just don’t expect it to be you even though you hear about it all the time. There was nothing prepared for this tragedy.

I’m asking if anyone can help give my baby the best until we meet again, I’d be forever grateful. We all would be. If you’re unable to donate, if you could just say a little prayer for our family and share this I’d be just as grateful.

At this time the funeral will be planned, but no dates can be set until the autopsy is completed.

The outpouring love, support and prayers are not going unnoticed. I know how amazing my baby is and it’s very heartwarming if it’s possible at this time, to know how many people loved my Maine man too. We will forever be grateful for all of your geniourosity, kind words and thoughts during this terrible time

Thank you from the bottom of my heart

Jermaines Aunt Nephne