Northport Boy Dies After Swimming Accident, Fundraiser Launched

Loved ones are mustering support for a Northport family after their 10-year-old son died Tuesday after an accident in the water last week.

According to a GoFundMe Page and information shared by Northport's Warrior Baseball youth league on Facebook, RJ Paulk, Jr. was celebrating his team's season at a swim party when he suffered an accident in the water last Thursday, May 16th.

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After days in the ICU, Paulk passed away Tuesday.

"RJ went home in the arms of Jesus on May 21st. Randall and Nicole, his parents, were by his side and believe in the power of God," Through this tragedy God is still working. The family is at peace knowing that absence from the body is presence with the Lord.

Paulk was a fourth grader at Faucett Vestavia Elementary in Northport. The online fundraiser, originally launched to help with medical bills, has been reorganized to support the Paulk family.

"Lots of words I could use to describe him…Kind, sweet, humble, meek, selfless, loving, hardworking, disciplined, committed, teachable, funny," his baseball coach Jared Case said in the GoFundMe. "His life looked a lot like Jesus! It looked like Jesus because that was the One he loved, served and followed. And now they are standing face to face. Praise God for eternal life and I thank God for RJ’s life. A life that has lead me closer to my Lord!"

To learn more and donate to the family, visit the GoFundMe here.