HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — The community is mourning the loss of 12-year-old Ethan Wayne Willard, a Laurel Park Middle School student who died Saturday in a tragic accident at his home.

Ethan’s mother, Kaleigh Willard, shared a message on social media, remembering her son as a bright, kind, and loving child who brought joy to everyone around him.

“Lord knows I love all my sweet boys but you just had a different spirit,” Willard wrote. “You were the kid I didn’t have to tell twice to do a single thing… the boy who didn’t meet a stranger and instantly that person loved you because of who you were. I know you’re bouncing around heaven finding every single ball field and basketball court you can find.”

She expressed deep gratitude for the community’s compassion.

“Please continue to cover us in prayers because this one is a knife straight to the chest,” she said. “I can’t express how grateful we are for the overwhelming support and love we have received.”

Ethan was active in Virginia Valor Baseball, a Christian-based travel baseball organization in Martinsville and Henry County.

The team hosted a vigil Monday evening at the Spencer field where Ethan once played, honoring him with prayers, candles, and memories.

“Our Valor Baseball family is grieving an unimaginable loss,” the organization shared. “Ethan was so much more than a player—he was the heartbeat of his team. Always full of life, he brought kindness, determination, grit, and encouragement to everyone around him. He was the ultimate hype man, with a smile and attitude that lifted others up.”

His former music teacher Alyssa Prillaman, who now serves as Magna Vista High School’s choral director, remembered Ethan’s joyful spirit and musical talent.

“A bright light. Creative, funny, talented, and thoughtful,” Prillaman wrote. “Ethan was a true stand-out from his grade. Always a smile I could count on, a hand that would be raised in class, a voice I would hear singing loud and proud (and beautifully)! Counting down the days until we can all put our arms around one another and sing ‘Lean on Me’ once more again in Heaven.”

The outpouring of love for Ethan and his family continues across social media and the community, with several ways to help:

• “LoveLikeE” stickers are being sold in Ethan’s memory, with all proceeds going directly to the Willard family, here.
• A Meal Train for the Willard Family has been organized to help provide meals and support as they navigate their loss here.

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