~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
Greene County is grieving the loss of 15-year-old Harley McDonald. The Scranton teenager lost his battle to overcome serious burns on Friday, Jan. 14, at the University of Iowa Stead Family Childrens Hospital.
He is the son of Angelina (Nina) and Marty McDonald, and the brother of Briella, Jerzee and Bailey.
McDonald was spending the night in a cabin in the woods north of Scranton with his friend, Lucas Oakes, on New Year’s Eve.
Lucas awoke to find Harley engulfed in flames. Lucas’ quick action put out the fire on Harley but he suffered third degree burns on more than 90 per cent of his body.
Both boys were taken to St Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll and then transferred to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City for treatment.
Lucas was released and returned home over the weekend of Jan. 8. He was honored at a “welcome home” drive through Scranton.
Harley’s funeral service will be held Monday, Jan. 24, at 2 pm at the Scranton Community Building with Pastor Dennis Martens of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jefferson officiating.
Visitation will be held at the Scranton Community Building Sunday from 5 to 7 pm, and Monday from 1 to 1:45 pm. Burial will be in the Scranton Township Cemetery. Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Friends who want to assist both families with expenses can contribute to accounts set up at Peoples Bank.
A spaghetti supper is planned for Saturday, Jan. 22, from 4:30 – 7 pm in the Scranton Community Building. Free will donations will be welcomed with the funds being donated to the McDonald and Oakes families.
