Franklin Central wrestler Ayden Harper died Wednesday
Franklin Central senior wrestler Ayden Harper, 17, passed away Wednesday, according to a statement from the Franklin Central Athletic Department.
Ayden Harper was known as "The Hammer" by friends and family.
He is survived by his parents, Taniel Harper and Andy Kerns; siblings Addilyn Kerns and Allen “Danger” Kerns; grandparents, Dee Johnson, Tim Johnson, Jaque Harper, and Alan Harper; Aunt, Collin (Caleb) Hewitt.
"The Franklin Central family is devastated by the tragic loss of Ayden Harper," Franklin Central Athletic Director Greg Orr said via email. "Ayden was a Senior Captain and a well-respected leader on the wrestling team. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Ayden's family and they are in our thoughts and prayers."
Harper qualified for the semistate tournament as a junior, compiling a 27-12 record at the 113 weight class.
As a sophomore, Harper went 21-14, reaching the third round of the Shelbyville sectional at 106.
Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday at G. H. Herrmann Greenwood Funeral Home at The Gardens of Olive Branch, 1605 S. State Road 135. Funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, November 22.
A GoFundMe page established to cover family funeral expenses was created Wednesday. As of Thursday, the fund has generated more than $3,000 of its $10,000 goal. Those interested in donating can donate via this link.
Follow IndyStar sports reporter Akeem Glaspie on Twitter at @THEAkeemGlaspie.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IHSAA wrestling: Franklin Central mourns death of wrestler Ayden Harper
