While driving home from a fun family vacation on the morning of November 10, 2025, my brother Chris Franklin and his family were involved in a serious accident. Tragically, their 9-year-old son, Christopher, lost his life. Owen, their 8-year-old son is in critical condition, fighting to stay alive. Miraculously, their 5-year-old daughter Emma escaped with only minor injuries and is doing well. Chris and his wonderful wife Carly have minor injuries but are expected to make a full recovery.

The Book of Mormon prophet Alma taught that those counted in the fold of God are "willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort."

The outpouring of love and support thus far has been remarkable, and indicative of the pure love of Christ residing within the hearts of our Heavenly Father's children. The grief of losing such a precious soul from our family is unspeakable; yet the abundance of love, condolences, and prayers on our behalf reminds us that we are all, as children of a loving Heavenly Father, apart of the same eternal family. The doctrine of eternal families, as made possible through Jesus Christ and ratified in His holy temples, is a bedrock of hope by which we press forward. We know we will see our beloved Christopher again. Still, we all mourn this tragedy together, and it is together that we, especially Carly and Chris, will make it through.

I've set up this GoFundMe of my own accord. Like you, my heart aches for Chris and Carly, and feel impressed to lend support in any way I can. Many have wondered what can be done to ease the heavy burden suddenly placed on these grieving parents. In addition to mourning the loss of Christopher from this world, they are also now faced with a prolonged hospital stay far from home in West Virginia as they fight to keep their dear warrior Owen alive. Eventually they must return home, and make arrangements for them and their three children to do the same. Added to this the medical costs associated, it's hard to quantify the monetary cost of getting through such a difficult time. I hope this GoFundMe can provide them with even a little relief. With everything they are going through, Chris and Carly should not have to also assume great financial burdens as a consequence.

Only days ago this family was enjoying their time together, unaware that it would be their last time together in this life. Hold your children extra tight in behalf of parents who have had that privilege taken from them. Say a prayer. And please give whatever you can.

The photos featured here were taken while on vacation only days before tragedy. Christopher was such a pure-hearted boy with so much love to give. He was always happy and excited to share the good news in his life. He loved his family so much, and had so much fun with them on vacation. Not only did he make me an uncle, but made it easy to love being one. Owen is the life and light of every room he enters. His witt and humor never failed to make us smile and love life with him in it. He was far beyond his years as a comedian and performer. Even while on vacation at karaoke he provided the room with entertainment through his singing. His last words as he stepped off of that stage are the words I echo to each of you on behalf of Carly and Chris..."Thank you so much."

God bless us all.