Sixteen-year-old Noah Lear has died after fighting for his life since a tragic accident on Feb. 27.

Noah, a student at Bucyrus High School, loved playing basketball and that is exactly what he had been doing that fateful day at Calvary Baptist Church on Marion Road with his friends.

“When he went to dunk the ball, the whole thing-post, backboard and rim, came down on him,” Noah’s mom, Melissa Griffin said.

Noah was moved to a hospice facility last week where he was kept comfortable after doctors informed the family that the part of his brain that controlled his body’s vital functions such as blood pressure and temperature had shut down.

A press release was issued from Bucyrus City Schools Wednesday morning where Noah played basketball, was popular with students and teachers and carried a 4.0 grade point average. Students and staff are receiving grief counseling from the Crawford County Trauma Team that has been in the district since Monday.

The entire Bucyrus City School District will be closed Monday for the funeral, which is being held at 11 a.m. at the school.

Businesses across the county are stepping up to donate money to Lear’s family to help with medical and funeral expenses. A benefit is also planned from 4 to 8 p.m. on April 2 at Bucyrus Secondary School and will feature a silent auction, bake sale, 50/50 drawing, spaghetti dinner and live music by Bucyrus native and Nashville recording artist Rob Skaggs.

A Gofundme.com account has also been set up for Lear’s family at https://www.gofundme.com/m8udd4e4.

The following was posted Wednesday morning on a Facebook page dedicated to Lear in which people from around the world have been offering support and prayers to Noah and his family:

“After fighting valiantly for 18 days, Noah has taken his last breath. He is no longer in pain.

He has left his mark on so many people in this world in his short life. Since his accident he has brought his friends, his family, his community, and many others throughout our world together. His accident has touched so many. It has reminded us all that anything can happen in the blink of an eye. Noah spent his life trying to make others happy and standing up for what he felt to be right. He put 110 percent into being the best he could be.

Not only will he live on through those of us who he has left his mark on, but he will help others continue to live as a donor. For everyone who has been moved by Noah’s story or by Noah himself do as he would. Keep your chin up, make others around you smile, always give your very best, and stand up for what is right. Take this love, strength and support into the world around you. This tragedy brought his school closer together. In a way it has brought us all together. We all have a bond that can never be taken. Through all of us Noah will continue to change the world in which we live.

This page has gotten over 4,000 likes and been seen by over 130,000 people. Twitter has put his story out there to over 300,000 and counting. He is reaching the world. You all are his miracle. He has made a difference and through all of you it can continue. Thank you all for the prayers, support, and love you have shown. You truly have no idea how much it has meant to his whole family. You are all truly amazing.”

Bucyrus High School student Noah Lear lost his fight to stay alive Wednesday morning after an accident while playing basketball on Feb. 27.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/03/web1_Lear-noah.jpgBucyrus High School student Noah Lear lost his fight to stay alive Wednesday morning after an accident while playing basketball on Feb. 27.

By Kimberly Gasuras

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Reach Gasuras on Twitter: @kimberlygasuras