GoFundMe established for 12-year-old struck while riding hoverboard in South Huntingdon

Family and friends of a 12-year-old girl who was critically injured Saturday when she was pinned beneath a pickup while riding a hoverboard in South Huntingdon continue to wish for her recovery and have set up a GoFundMe account to defray expenses.

Peyton Benner, a sixth grader at Yough Middle School, remains in critical condition with multiple injuries in UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh because of the crash at the intersection of Sixth and Osborne streets just after 7:15 p.m. in the village of Wyano, said her mother, Betsy Benner, reached by telephone at the hospital.

“I’m told that, right now, that there’s nothing we can do except wait because of her injuries. We really appreciate all of the prayers and well wishes,” Benner said.

Benner described Peyton as “very unique and very active.”

“She’s an equestrian and rides horses every day at the horse farm across the street. The family of her best friend owns the farm,” Benner said.

She also enjoys playing clarinet and bass saxophone in the middle school jazz band.

Family friend Jeannine Motycki set up the GoFundMe page.

“I just recently spoke with her mother, and Peyton still has a long road ahead of her. I’ve known her mother, Betsy, and Betsy’s fiance, John Early, for years,” said Motycki of Charleroi.

“I can tell you Peyton’s a very sweet 12-year-old with a lot of energy and just so full of life. It’s just heartbreaking,” Motycki said.

State Trooper Jacob Roberts of the Belle Vernon barracks said Benner was riding a hoverboard with a kart buggy attachment, and a driver did not see her because of the low profile of the craft.

The girl was struck and pinned underneath the vehicle, he reported. Troopers, firefighters and ambulance personnel worked at the scene to free her.

She was flown to the hospital by medical helicopter, police said.

“Her mother, understandably, has not left Peyton’s side. It’s just so tough for them. I felt we had to do something to help,” Motycki said.

Benner said Peyton has an older sister, Jazz, 15.

As of Tuesday night, the fundraiser had brought in $5,7300 of its $20,000 goal.,

“I’m humbled by the generosity at this point. We’ve received donations from as far away as California,” Motycki said.