A 14-year-old boy who was found viciously beaten in Beaumont, Alta. more than two weeks ago has woken up after being sedated in hospital and recognizes family and friends.
A family friend told Global News Braydon Heather’s mother is overjoyed.
Melanie Aubé set up a GoFundMe page with another close friend to help the family during Braydon’s recovery.
“I look forward to see what his future holds.”
Aubé said Braydon is still in the ICU.
READ MORE: Youth charged with attempted murder after teen’s assault in Beaumont
“I want to thank each and every one of you who have, and continue to, donate to the GoFundMe page for Braydon (over 1,000 of you!) and to all of you who shared the page over 9,500 times!!”
As of Thursday, more than $74,000 had been raised. The goal is $80,000.
Another friend, Rhonda Brimacombe-Tricker, passed along a statement from the Heather family:
“We are extremely overjoyed and overwhelmed with the generous amount of support we are receiving from across the world. The words of support and encouragement are very much appreciated. We ask that everyone continues to pray and support Braydon. Thank-you for your understanding and patience at this time. We will be sure to keep you all updated on his condition.”
READ MORE: ‘It breaks my heart’: Friends rally to support family of teen brutally beaten in Beaumont
RCMP said the teen was found at 1:35 a.m. on June 21 with serious head injuries near a construction site in the area of Rideau Crescent. Officers were initially unable to identify him and called on the public for help.
Police have arrested and charged a youth in connection with the assault. The person – who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act – is charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault.
The youth is scheduled to appear in court in Leduc on Friday.