A multi-vehicle crash on a Washington state highway over the weekend killed a 13-year-old boy and left his father injured.
The boy was identified as Zion Powers, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) announced, per the Spokesman-Review, Moscow-Pullman News and radio station KXLY.
Authorities said the crash involving five vehicles occurred on Saturday, Nov. 16 on U.S. Highway 195, three miles north of Rosalia, according to CBS affiliate KREM.
The WSP said that Stephen Powers was driving south when he lost control of his semi-truck and trailer due to ice. Powers’ vehicle then jackknifed across the northbound lanes, the Spokesman-Review reported.
Per the outlet, Stephen Bischoff, who was driving a Mazda CX-50 with his son, Zion, hit the semi before being pushed into another lane and hitting two other vehicles. The semi also hit one semi-truck, which was parked along the shoulder of the highway.
The WSP said that Zion, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to the Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, KXLY and Spokesman-Review reported. Stephen, who did have a seatbelt on at the time of the crash, was taken to the same hospital for treatment before being released.
Per authorities, the crash is under investigation, KREM reported. PEOPLE reached out to the WSP on Wednesday, Nov. 20 for additional information.
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A GoFundMe was created on behalf of the Bischoff family. Paige Wieser, the organizer of the online campaign, wrote, “The tragic loss of Zion due to an automobile accident shakes us to the core and is felt across our community.”
She added, “He was known by many and easily made everyone feel like his best friend-no matter their age.”
As of Wednesday, the campaign has raised over $116,000.
Additionally, the Washington State University football team is paying tribute to Zion by wearing “ZB” on the players’ helmets, KREM reported.
“From our football program to the Bischoff family, we just really offer our condolences, prayers and thoughts, and everyone with our community, we’re with you,” Cougars head coach Jake Dickert, whose daughter was friends with Zion, said at a press conference on Monday, Nov. 18.
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