By CAMILA FERNANDEZ
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Grief and remembrances are rippling throughout Westfield and beyond over a young boy hit and killed by a vehicle on Saturday.
“Every parent is putting themselves in the Swain’s shoes and it’s close to home and it’s absolutely heartbreaking,” Brad Canada, Tucker’s baseball coach, said.
Swain
Tucker Swain, 9, was loved by many, not just within the halls of Oak Trace Elementary School where he studied, but also out on the baseball field.
“Baseball can bring people together, and that’s been really incredible to see after such a tragic event,” Michael Tucker, a friend, said.
According to Westfield police, Swain was hit by a car near the East 156th Street and Oak Ridge Road intersection Saturday afternoon.
Friends of his family say the loss has left a huge hole in the community.
“It’s a very tight-knit community. Everyone knew Tucker really well and he was a joy,” Michael Tucker said. “He was just always in a good mood. Everyone loved him. He was a tremendous young man, and he’s going to be incredibly missed.”
Brad Canada, Tucker’s coach at 9U Westfield Gold, said Tucker was larger than life and cared about his teammates.
“He played hard. He was a really smart kid. He asked a lot of really good questions,” Canada said. “He was an unbelievable teammate. He was passionate. He loved what he did. He always had fun. He was just a really positive teammate. Buddies with everybody.”
Canada says the community support has been overwhelming. Over $135,000 has been raised on GoFundMe to help the Swain family, and even youth baseball teams are coming together to show support.
“NYB Noblesville. I don’t want to leave people off this list, but Carmel, Fishers Express, Center Grove, Indiana Bulls, Primetime, Mustangs, Cicero – you name it,” Canada said.” The community and baseball teams – they all reached out and said we’re praying for you, what do you need. I told the team and I told the boys it’s not just a one-year thing. We can honor Tucker for the rest of our baseball careers. Every time we step on the field, we’ll honor Tucker we’ll play our best and we’ll play hard.”
Westfield school dismissal times adjusted on Friday
Submitted by Westfield Washington Schools
Due to coverage issues from staff attending the Celebration of Tucker Swain’s Life, dismissal times for Friday, May 5, will be as follows:
- Afternoon developmental preschool: Canceled
- TOTS & All Aboard: 4 p.m.
- Grades K-4: 1 p.m.
- Grades 5-8: 2:05 p.m.
- Grades 9-12: 2:09 p.m.
All BAC programs, except Oak Trace Elementary School, will start upon early dismissal and will end at normal times. Oak Trace BAC will close at 4 p.m.
All transportation services and pickup procedures will operate 90 minutes earlier than regular times.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding in this unprecedented situation.