Lexington High Schooler Loses Nine Family Members in Duck Boat Accident

LEXINGTON, KY. (LEX 18) – Of the 17 people who died in the Branson, Missouri duck boat tragedy, nine were members of the family of one Lexington high schooler.Frederick Douglass High School sophomore Jayden Coleman learned the terrible news last week when his mom showed up to football practice. "They didn’t know exactly what was going on, but he said they could just tell that something was going on," said Ashley Neal, the mother of two of Coleman’s teammates. Among the nine family members who died in the accident were Coleman’s uncle, cousins, and his grandfather Horace Coleman. A member of the booster club tells LEX 18 that Coleman and his grandfather had just planned a long weekend visit in Lexington, since the sophomore didn’t go on the family trip. "From what I understand, he goes on this trip every year and he did not go because he did not want to miss that much football practice," Neal said. Now, Coleman’s football family and the community are stepping up. For the rest of the month at City Barbeque on Richmond Road, 25 percent of every order for the rest of the month will go to Coleman and his family. If a customer wants to participate, they can mention the Coleman family or Frederick Douglass Football when paying. "We’re just hoping to help out with any other expenses that may occur along the way," said Rachel Wright, fundraiser coordinator for the restaurant. Men’s Warehouse, Enterprise, and local churches are also chipping in to help the Coleman’s travel to their loved ones’ funerals."It makes me feel good, honestly, to see that when tragedy strikes, people are just willing to jump in," said Neal. "It restores my faith in humanity a lot, to be honest."Anyone wanting to give to the family can also donate through the Frederick Douglass Football Booster Club.