STOUGHTON, Wis.– Independence Day weekend is supposed to be about fairs, food, and fun. Instead, the Chadwick family from Marshall, Wisconsin is planning a funeral.
Less than 48 hours ago, they learned their 16-year-old son, Ben, died in a car accident early Friday morning, on his way to the Stoughton Fair.
Ben was a talented exhibitor, excited to sell his steer at this weekend’s fair.
Stoughton Fair President Chris Quam says, not only was Ben extraordinarily talented, he was an exemplary young man: smart, funny, and one of his daughter’s best friends.
“He’d go to softball games and be that kid who cheered for everyone,” said Quam. “Everyone who knew him liked him. There’s no way you couldn’t.”
This afternoon, the fair went ahead with the sale of Ben’s steer, with his brother and sister leading the animal into a packed tent, not a dry eye or empty seat in sight.
Steers raised by junior exhibitors like Ben usually sell for $1 or $1.50/pound. Ben’s went for $14/pound… the first time around. After its initial sale, the animal went up for re-auction, selling for another $9/pound.
The fair also opened an account for the community to make donations in Ben’s name. As of Saturday evening, that fund has raised $80,000.
“It’s pretty special to see that for the family,” Quam said, his eyes watering. “He was just a great kid. You can only hope Ben’s legacy will go on.”
All of the money raised will be used to pay for Ben’s unexpected funeral. Any additional money will likely be used for a scholarship in Ben’s name.
If you’d like to donate to the Chadwick family, click here.
Gempler’s is also donating $5 from every ‘Wisconsin Needs Farmers’ t-shirt sale to the Chadwick family. Click here to purchase a shirt.
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