On the evening of September 18, 2025, my son and daughter-in-law had to hear the words no parent ever wants to hear: time of death, 7:37 pm. At that moment, they lost their 14-year-old son, Travis Wyatt Long, forever. Hope was gone that he would pull through, and their lives and the lives of so many others would be changed forever. This was a terrible tragedy, and we ask that you don't bombard the family with questions of how and why. As they heal, and if they want to share details, they will. Just know they are hurting and trying to find a way to move forward. Lee and Jessica lost a son, Joe and Courtney lost a brother, the rest of us lost a nephew, cousin, grandson, friend, and a truly amazing young man whose light shined brightly in his short time with us. Our hearts are full of sorrow as we hold on to all of the precious memories made, knowing there will be no more.

My name is Donna Long, I am Travis's grandmother. I have created this GoFundMe to help Lee and Jessica through this horrific time in their lives. I would like to help ease the burden of not only Travis's end-of-life expenses but the family's expenses as they navigate through this. Whether the expense is taking time off work, planning a celebration of life, counseling for the family, or maybe just a getaway to try and process this unimaginable tragedy.

We do not expect everyone to donate; you can help them in other ways. Help with love, kind words spread in Travis's memory (he was a great kid who loved helping others), by just being there with a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen, or a gentle distraction, praying for the family's healing and strength, and sharing this fundraiser so others can do the same.

We all can't understand the pain and the grief of this loss and how it will change numerous lives forever. We can only accept that it happened and understand our own pain and process. We all can remember everyone grieves differently; there is no right or wrong, and there is no time limit. We all can show patience and kindness towards others and remember you never know what someone else is going through every day.

If you want to donate but not through an online platform (such as with a nice card and heartfelt note, a gift card, or check), those can be sent to Lee Long or Jessica Long, POB 33, Hazard, KY 41722.

Thank you all for your kindness, thoughts, prayers, and understanding.