Watch: Family remembers 12-year-old ATV victim

Olanta, S.C. (WOLO) — Michele Moore says she’ll always remember her son Hunter as a kind-hearted kid who loved Gamecock sports and outdoor adventures.

She tells ABC Columbia, “He loved life and he always has a smile on his face.”

The 12 year-old was killed Sunday afternoon in an ATV accident, just days after his birthday.

“From what I can gather it was a freak accident,” explains Moore.

Ken Bell with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office says the accident occurred on Douglas Swamp Road where the ATV Hunter was driving hit a ditch causing the vehicle to flip over and land on top of him.

He explains, “His uncle was watching and saw it happen. Went out ran and got the ATV off the child.”

According to Bell, Hunter was alert and complaining of a busted lip. While en route to the hospital paramedics were notified and the 12 year old was transferred to an ambulance.

“While he was in the ambulance the child went unconscious and stopped breathing and never did revive,” says Bell.

Although family members are in shock Moore’s grateful for the outpouring of community support.

Support that indescribable, like the unshakable love that remains for her son.

The mother says, “That’s my guardian angel now. He’s gone but not forgotten he’ll always be in my heart.”

A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Floyd Funeral Home, which is located at 136 E Main St, Olanta, SC 29114.

Hunter’s funeral will be at 4 p.m. on Wednesday at Carolina Academy.