The Nutt family of Riverdale, Utah, are pleading to parents to ensure their children are wearing helmets after their 11-year-old daughter, Payge Gould, sustained a fatal head injury when she fell off her hoverboard on Wednesday, June 14. Payge was described by her mother, Gypsi Nutt, and sister, Taylor Gould, as the family’s comedian, “always making us laugh” and “very giving,” especially to those who didn’t have friends.
That evening, she called her mother to inform her of the fall, which seemed mild, with no signs of swelling or bruising. However, when Nutt checked on her daughter at 2 am, she was found unresponsive, prompting a call to 911. Then, the medical staff informed them that her injury was more severe than anticipated, with a crack in her skull that could have been avoided with a helmet.
According to GiveSendGo, after Payge hit her head, it was only a matter of time. It stated, “They ran tests and gave Payge a short 48-72 hours to live. She had bleeding on the brain and a long-line fracture in her skull. It wouldn’t have mattered if she had gone into emergency at the time of the fall. Her head took a traumatic blow, and it was only a matter of time.”
In the wake of this devastating news, they faced the difficult decision to donate her organs, a choice made in honor of Payne’s giving nature. Through this, the Nutt family hopes to inspire others to become organ donors and serve as a reminder for parents to ensure their children are wearing helmets. They have also set up a fund to help with their expenses.