Mom was deeply emotional after her 3-year-old son lost his foot in a lawn mower accident, but he reassured her that everything would be okay.

After a lawnmower accident resulted in the amputation of his left foot, Keirsten Marsico’s little son Joey consoled her by telling her that everything will be alright.

“I was crying naturally when he came out of surgery that night, and he just held my head and said, ‘Mommy, what’s wrong?’” Marsico told PEOPLE his story. “I told him, buddy, I’m really sad.”

Joey, who was only a few weeks away from turning four, was watching his grandfather Mark DeLuca mow the lawn outside their Whitehall, New York, home on Thursday, May 9, when he made a snap decision that put him in danger.

Keirsten talked about her “active little boy,” the youngest of her two children, saying that “he really loves tractors and enjoys helping with the lawn.” “He approached my dad, who was riding the lawnmower, from behind. My dad threw the mower in reverse before my mom could get to him, and everything happened all at once,” she remembered. “The events that led to what happened were a series of events.”

“It’s been tough on all of us, especially my parents who feel absolutely awful,” Keirsten continues. Specifically, my dad is distraught.

The family believes that Mark DeLuca’s quick use of a tourniquet probably saved Joey’s life. After being transported to Boston Children’s Hospital, Joey had many foot procedures before it was decided to amputate.

Despite the difficulties in his recuperation, Joey’s maturity and upbeat attitude have astounded his family and friends, as well as his caregivers and physicians.

“What a strong little guy,” Keirsten says. At times, conversing with him is like to conversing with a teenager. He has excellent adjustment.

Joey’s father, Joseph, remarks, “He’s always been that way—very understanding, perceptive of people’s emotions, and adept at coping with situations.” Joseph is reflecting on his son’s exceptional maturity. In addition, he speaks a lot and has a vocabulary that is above average for his age.

The Marsicos, along with their autistic 6-year-old daughter Gianna, settled into a new routine during Joey’s almost month-long hospital stay.

“We tried to maintain a sense of normalcy for my daughter because she attends school,” Keirsten says. “My spouse and I decided that one of us should stay at home with her because she needs routine.”

Joseph stayed stubbornly by Joey’s side, while Keirsten stayed at home. “He’s still by Joey’s side,” Keirsten underlines.

Keirsten reflects on a touching incident by saying, “The other day, as I was leaving Joey, I was crying, and he consoled me again.” I told him it was okay and that I didn’t have to be sad as he wiped away my tears. “I know, but I don’t like leaving you,” I said to him.

The Marsicos take comfort in the knowledge that Joey’s accident was a terrible exception and in their Catholic faith.

“My worst fear is that people will hear this story and think, ‘Why weren’t they watching him?’ or ‘How could they let this happen?’” admits Keirsten, expressing her deepest concern. As his mother, I’ve struggled with it.

She does, however, take solace in her faith, thinking that Joey’s experiences have a greater meaning. “I have to constantly tell myself that everything is happening for a reason. Even if we can’t see it now, God has a plan for him, Keirsten says.

She says, “I would tell someone else it’s an accident if they were in our shoes.” “Accidents happen, and focusing on ‘why’ won’t help—it will only make you feel bad about yourself.”

Keirsten highlights how resilient their family has been in the face of hardship. “We must change and get over what is going on. Our priorities are helping Joey and continuing to be a solid family unit.

After being away from home for almost a month following the accident, Joey was released from the hospital on June 5. Earlier last week, he had his fourth birthday celebration.

His parents are hopeful that he will heal and that he will soon get a prosthetic fitted. They are in awe of Joey’s capacity to communicate his emotions and offer consolation to others during this trying time.

Warmly, Joseph says, “He’s always been such a special little boy.”

Beloved superstar has died this morning in a tragic car accident

A football prospect for the NFL who died in a car accident on Saturday morning wrote a sad last post just hours before he died.

Police say a speeding car killed 24-year-old Khyree Jackson and two of his friends. Jackson was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings in the NFL draft not long ago.

Police confirmed early Saturday morning that Jackson, the cornerback, and Hazel, the driver, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Hazel was Jackson’s high school teammate.

Anthony Lytton Jr., a fellow passenger and teammate, was rushed to the hospital but later pronounced dead as well.

On Friday, Jackson posted a 10-slide Instagram carousel with pictures from his life, including ones of him at Vikings practice, along with the message “Mmmhmmm.”

Jackson also posted pictures of himself smiling on a beach with two parrots, flexing with a lizard, and taking selfies in front of a mirror to show off his stylish clothes.

In a picture in the post comparing “dreamers” and “doers,” a group of people labeled as “dreamers” watch a man labeled as a “doer” surf a huge wave.

Jackson really was a “doer.”

TMZ said that the football star started college at Fort Scott Community College after graduating from Dr. Henry Wise Jr. High School. He worked his way up and went on to play for the Oregon Ducks and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Oregon Live said that Jackson’s best season so far was 2023, which made him the best cornerback for the Ducks.

They picked the cornerback, who is 24 years old, in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft.

“The news of Khyree Jackson’s death after an overnight car accident breaks our hearts,” the Vikings said in a statement.

“The Minnesota Vikings have talked to Khyree’s family and offered their support while we look into the matter further.”

“We have also communicated the news to Vikings players, coaches and staff and have offered counseling for those who need emotional support.”

“Our hearts go out to Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and all the other people who died in this terrible accident.”

Jackson had “contagious energy” that made the other players want to play.

“The news of this breaks my heart.” “Khyree’s energy spread through our building and team,” O’Connell said in a statement.

“His teammates liked him right away because he was sure of himself and had a great personality.” While we were together, it was clear that Khyree was going to become a great professional football player. But what really impressed me was how much he wanted to be the best person he could be for his family and the people around him.

“I don’t know what to say. Khyree’s family, friends, teammates, and coaches are in my thoughts and prayers.

Around 3 a.m. Saturday, Jackson was riding in a Dodge Charger with two former teammates when a fast-moving Infiniti pulled out in front of them.

Police say that after getting hit, the Charger went off the road to the right and hit several tree stumps.

From what the police say, the Infiniti also hit a Chevrolet Impala.

The driver of the Impala, Cori Clingman, and the two people in her car were not hurt. Neither was the driver of the Infiniti.

After the investigation, charges have not yet been made.