‘Always ready with a joke’: 10-year-old Meridian boy dies in car, scooter crash
A “headstrong” and “joyful” 10-year-old Meridian boy died after a vehicle struck him while he was riding a scooter.
Drayko Gaudlip was riding a scooter at the intersection of Locust Grove Road and East Chateau Drive at 6:05 p.m. on Monday when the “collision occurred,” according to a report from the Ada County Coroner’s Office. Drayko died a day later at 6:53 p.m. at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center in Boise, from “traumatic crush” and “blunt force injuries.” the report said.
“If you knew Drayko, you would understand the love and hilarity of his company and how he enriched the lives of everyone around him. Drayko adored his family, loved meeting new people, and was always ready with a joke or a silly dance,” according to a GoFundMe page created to help Drayko’s family. “The world was a better place with him in it.”
The Meridian Police Department in a news release, said Drayko was struck by a red Chevrolet pickup truck. He was riding his scooter northbound when the vehicle, which was turning, hit him.
Drayko’s mother is a “hard-working” single mom supporting her family, according to the page, which has raised over $1,500 of its $5,000 goal. According to the page, the funds will be used to cover funeral expenses and bills.
The coroner’s office declared Drayko’s manner of death an accident. Meridian police, who are investigating the crash along with the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, in its news release said no citations or arrests have been made.
This story was originally published January 12, 2023 at 11:04 AM.
