Family of Utah teen who died in tetherball rope accident remembers his ‘joy’ and ‘strength’

Maximus Knight, 13, died after he was found with a rope from a tetherball pole around his neck

The family of a 13-year-old Utah boy who died Oct. 28 after he was found with a tetherball rope around his neck is remembering him as “smart” and a “role model of kindness and helpfulness” to his loved ones .

In a statement issued to PEOPLE on Wednesday on behalf of Maximus Knight’s family, Jill Christianson, the boy’s aunt, said: “Our hearts are broken, he was so bright, so beautiful, a perfect example of kindness and service to those around him.” Friends family. He was adventure and risk, he was joy and gentleness, he was jokes and laughter, he was courage and strength. He was love.

The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office previously said a teenager, later identified as Maximus, helped clean up his family’s corn maze in Venice, Utah, Fox affiliate KSTU-TV reported. According to KSL.com, the boy’s family searched for him after realizing he was missing.

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The sheriff’s office said Maximus was later discovered with a rope from a tetherball pole around his neck. At the time, he was not breathing or had a pulse, ABC affiliate KTVX-TV reported. The boy’s pulse was restored after emergency services arrived.

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Maximus was transported to a local hospital and then transferred to another location for further care, where he later died, KSTU reported.

Maxiumus’ death was confirmed by the Utah Medical Examiner USA today. Sevier County Sheriff Nathan Curtis previously said there was no evidence of crime or suspicious activity and that what happened to Maximus was believed to be an accident, according to KSL.com.

PEOPLE contacted the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office and the Utah Medical Examiner on Thursday for more information.

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According to his obituary, Maximus was the fifth child of parents Lee and April Knight. He leaves behind her and his four siblings, Audrey, Owen, Grace and Guy.

“He spent many of his early years being adored as a younger little brother by his older siblings,” it said. “From a young age he enjoyed going on trips with his family and even went boating as a baby. He has always had a strong bond with his mother and is the best cuddler in his family.

The obituary noted that Maximus’s interests included wrestling in the corn maze and driving a tractor, adding that he also served as a deacon in the Venice Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before his death, Maximus attended Red Hills Middle School and participated in wrestling.

“Max would happily do whatever was asked of him – a benefit of working with his family from a young age,” the obituary reads. “He loved catching lizards, paddle boarding and being with family and friends at Lake Powell.”

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“He was considerate of other people’s feelings. When he was chased by his brothers or his dog Daisy, he sought help from his sisters. He liked to snuggle up with his sisters and tell them about his day. While Owen was away on a mission, Max looked forward to his calls and enjoyed hearing his mission stories. Max showed him his wrestling moves via video chat and couldn’t wait to show him in person.”

Treyton, a friend of Maximus, said of the boy, according to KTVX, “He would always stand up for others when someone spoke badly about us. He always stood up for us…he wasn’t afraid to put others in their place.”

A GoFundMe was started by Maximus’ aunt, Laurie Ann Thor, who wrote in the description: “Maximus was a beautiful, sweet and loving child who brought so much joy to his family and his community,” Laurie Ann Thor wrote in The fundraiser description: “Maximus, the youngest in his family, has made every effort to impress his big brothers and take care of those around him. We will mourn him forever.”

The fundraiser raised over $25,000 before the fundraiser closed.

According to his obituary, Maximus’ funeral service will be held Saturday in Richfield.

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