Money has poured in for a grieving Utah family of a 2-year-old boy who died in a tragic accident outside an art and sculpture shop in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf last week.
Family friends put together an online fundraiser after 2-year-old Kayson Shelton, of Draper, Utah, died Friday afternoon, hours after playing on a dolphin statue outside of a sculpture store in the 200 block of Jefferson Street.
According to police, around 11:30 a.m. Kayson had been playing on the statue outside of the store when it toppled onto him.
Medical crews and police responded, and he was taken to San Francisco General Hospital where he died of his injuries later that afternoon.
Police said he was with his parents and his siblings, including an older sister who apparently tried to help him as he fell.
The store was cited for placing an object or merchandise on a sidewalk where it impedes pedestrian traffic, police said.
The store, Majestic Collection, located at 225 Jefferson St., released a statement that said, “This is an unfortunate and tragic incident. Majestic Collection is and has been co-operating with all investigative agencies. Our hearts and prayers are with the family.”
Since news of the toddler’s death, more than $20,000 has been donated through a YouCaring page for funeral expenses and support for Kayson’s parents Toni and Scott Shelton and other surviving family members.
On a memorial website for Kayson, family friends are also organizing a blanket drive through Project Night Night.
According to site organizers, Kayson loved blankets, so in his honor friends are collecting blankets for the San Francisco-based charity which gives blankets and care packages to homeless children.
At the San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ meeting on Tuesday afternoon, board president David Chiu asked for the meeting to be adjourned in Kayson’s memory.
The incident with the 6-foot dolphin statue falling onto Kayson occurred within Chiu’s district.
He said, “Any of us can’t know what his parents and family are feeling at this time.”
Chiu shared his condolences with the family, who has since returned to Utah.
More information about fundraisers for Kayson are available online at www.kaysonshelton.com.
Sasha Lekach, Bay City News
