9-year-old girl passes away after falling from tree, impaled in head by steel bar

Update 8/2/19 5:52 a.m. – Shaylyn’s family confirmed she died Thursday night at the hospital, surrounded by her family.

A spokesperson for the family sent us a statement saying, “Shaylyn passed away at 8:45 p.m. very comfortably and quickly, which is important in order to perform what is called a circulatory death organ transplant. Our baby was able to save four lives and someone’s vision. The transplant team was able to retrieve her liver, kidneys, heart valves and corneas. We again are overwhelmed with how blessed we truly are and although we are completely devastated, we are also so proud and overjoyed for those five individuals who are getting a phone call with the answer to a prayer they have been desperately asking for is now possible.”

Original Story: Authorities say a 9-year-old Idaho girl is fighting for her life after she fell out of a tree and was impaled in the head by a steel bar.

Fremont County Sheriff Len Humphries said Thursday Shaylyn Bergeson was playing in her backyard Monday near the city of Rexburg when she fell.

Bergeson’s parents had reported her as missing to police. Officers found the girl unconscious under a small tree near the family’s home.

He says a piece of steel poking out of the ground impaled her.

The girl was airlifted to a hospital in Idaho Falls and then flown to a Utah hospital where she had surgery. Her mother posted the following Thursday:

“THIS IS DIRECTLY FROM MOMMA (Jesi) – Sorry this will be a long post theres an important message we want to share first the there is an update on Shaylyn.

We appreciate so much all that has been done for us and all the love and support we have recieved during this time. We have noticed that some false information has been being shared and we just ask that no one shares info that they haven’t heard from us directly or from immediate family.

A couple months ago Shaylyn, Tristan, and I had a conversation about organ donations. She without a blink of an eye said she wanted to donate everything she could. Our angel has just always been the sweetest, kindest, and most selfless lil girl her entire life. Unfortunately God placed the desire for us to have that organ conversation on my heart for a reason. We are currently working with the transplant to to make sure she can bless as many lives as possible through this horrific tragedy.

We have been so blessed with the absolute best medical team during all this and they are still providing the best care to make sure she respected, honored, and comfortable as we allow her body to pass and continue to give live to another lil kiddo. We love you all and cannot express how blessed and loved we have and do feel through this whole process. Thank you all and please continue to pray for us as we again prepare to do the the one thing no parent should ever have to do bury a baby.”

A GoFundMe page set up by family friend Jenn Handy describes Shaylyn as an energetic, selfless child.