BATON ROUGE, LA — In the wake of a tragic accident that claimed the life of three-year-old Bowen Ross Berthelot, the community has rallied in support, with a GoFundMe campaign organized by his aunt, TikTok influencer Madison Stroncheck, raising over $74,000 to help cover funeral expenses. Bowen passed away following an incident involving a skid-steer loader on December 22, 2024.
Madison Stroncheck, known for her engaging content on TikTok that includes beauty tips, outfit-of-the-day posts, and glimpses into her personal life, took to the platform to share the heartbreaking news. “This is the hardest thing I have ever been through in my life. My sweet baby is no longer with us but he’s in heaven riding all the dirtbikes he could ever imagine,” she wrote, accompanied by a video showing the joyous moments she shared with her nephew.
The GoFundMe, initiated by Jensen Berthelot on behalf of Bowen’s mother, Kennedi Berthelot, was originally set with a target of $25,000. The overwhelming response from the online community, friends, and strangers alike has surpassed expectations, reflecting the love and support for the grieving family. “If you feel compelled to donate, please do so here. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love from our community,” the campaign’s message read.
Bowen, described by those who knew him as a bundle of joy, was the son of Kennedi and Nick Berthelot. His father works at C & M Outdoor Power Equipment, while his mother is a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices United Properties. The family, based in Denham Springs, has been enveloped in grief since the accident, which has left a profound impact on their lives and the local community.
The incident, while not officially detailed by authorities, has been widely reported across social media and local news outlets as involving heavy machinery on the family property. This tragedy has sparked conversations about safety around equipment, especially in environments accessible to children.
The funds raised will help ease the financial burden of funeral arrangements, allowing the family to focus on healing and commemorating Bowen’s short but impactful life. Memorial t-shirts have also been produced in tribute to Bowen, with sales contributing to the family’s support.
Madison Stroncheck’s followers and the broader TikTok community have expressed their condolences through comments, shares, and donations, highlighting the platform’s power to bring people together in times of sorrow. The influencer herself shared memories and photos of Bowen, emphasizing the deep bond they shared, and how his absence would leave a void in her life and the lives of many.
The funeral service for Bowen was set to take place at Judson Baptist Church in Walker, Louisiana, on December 28, 2024, where friends, family, and supporters could come together to mourn and celebrate his life.
This story of community support amid tragedy underscores the compassion and solidarity that can emerge from the digital world, offering solace to a family in their darkest hour.