‘Fighting hard to stay alive’: Fundraiser posted for teen nearly beaten to death near St. Louis

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the high school student whose brutal beating outside of a Missouri school left her with traumatic brain injuries.

The victim, identified as Kaylee, remains in critical condition.

“We will not know the extent of the brain damage that has occurred until she wakes up,” the fundraising page reads, “but the path to recovery will be extremely hard on the family, not only mentally but financially.” 

The GoFundMe page, called Kaylee on Her Road to Recovery, was created Tuesday with the goal of raising $500,000. More than $236,000 has been raised so far. 

“With heavy hearts I am asking for support for our beloved Kaylee and family,” the fundraiser states. “In minutes, this family’s life shattered when their only daughter was assaulted outside of a North County high school. 

“She was left alone on the ground to convulse before EMTs arrived on the scene. She was admitted to one of the local hospitals in Saint Louis with a skull fracture and frontal lobe damage.” 

The altercation, captured in a graphic video, shows Kaylee being thrown to the ground by another female student. The assailant pummeled Kaylee’s face before slamming her head onto the concrete pavement several times, leaving the victim unconscious.   

A 15-year-old girl was arrested on Saturday in connection with the assault.  

Kaylee is still in intensive care with major brain bleeding and swelling, according to the fundraising page.  

“Her mother and father are staying by her side night and day hoping to bring her back to the Kaylee they know and love,” the fundraiser states. “Your support would help with lost wages and piling up medical bills due to intensive care treatment.” 

Nearly 5,000 donors have contributed so far.