Duluth, MN (Northland's NewsCenter) - Some of the Bergren family was in court today as Edwards was charged.
Family members say they don't harbor any anger for Edwards, and hope there is some good that can come from their tragic situation.
It was just after 8:30 in the morning in Texas, when Shelley Nicholson got a call telling her, her mother had been in an accident.
"I knew Everett was with her so I asked about him and Everett was a John Doe at that time and then they all started putting the pieces together," said Nicholson.
A call just minutes later informed Nicholson her mother, Paula Bergren, had passed away due to injuries from the accident, and her nephew Everett was in critical condition, suffering from brain injuries.
"He is a sweet kid, he is a great big brother...he is just a great kid. If anyone can get better it's him, he is a fighter," said Nicholson.
Fellow 6th graders and staff at Proctor Middle School were shocked when they heard the news of the accident Thursday morning.
"It's been really tough for students and staff. There were quite a bit of staff members that worked with Everett. The good thing about Proctor is when a crisis happens we band together and we do things for the family," said MaKenzie Johnson, counselor at A.I. Jedlicka Middle School in Proctor.
Cards from students were sent to the hospital the day of the accident and staff members visited with Everett's family over the weekend.
But more is in the works.
"We are going to be working with the Hermantown School District together, Everett's little sister attends school there, so we are going to do a duel fundraiser. We are hoping to get something together so we can donate some of that money to the Everett Bergren fund which is at Wells Fargo," said Johnson.
As for Nicholson and the rest of her family, they say they are touched by the out pouring of support for Everett and hope this tragic accident serves as a lesson for all.
"I don't want my mothers death to be for nothing. I hope anyone who thinks of drinking and driving will not do it. If you're 18, or 20, or 50...it doesn't matter. I hope something can be learned from it," said Nicholson.
A family friend of the Bergren's has set up the trust fund at Wells Fargo.
For more information on how you can help Everett and his family, you can contact your local Wells Fargo branch, or visit https://www.wellsfargo.com/.
Written for the web by Elayne Crecelius
ecrecelius@northlandsnewscenter.com
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