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MARION COUNTY, Fla. — New information has surfaced regarding a distressing incident last month where a 17-year-old was apprehended for allegedly setting his friend ablaze. This development accompanies efforts to raise funds for the victim and his family.
Authorities report that the incident unfolded on the evening of January 10. The teenager, identified as Bradey Ming, was captured on video pouring gasoline onto a bonfire that had nearly burned out. Surrounding him were several other boys, who appeared to be laughing as the event escalated.
The addition of gasoline caused the bonfire to flare up dramatically. Ming was then seen creating a trail with the fuel, which ultimately led the flames to reach another boy nearby on the beach.
Amid the chaos, one of the boys can be heard exclaiming, “Oh my God! Oh my God!” and urging the others, “Get in the lake! Get in the lake!”
According to deputies, the victim was subsequently rushed to the emergency room. He sustained second-degree burns over a significant portion of his body, with serious injuries resulting in his legs appearing bloodied and discolored.
After video of the incident came to light, deputies were tipped off about what happened, leading to Ming’s arrest last week.
[BELOW: Bodycam video shows arrest of 17-year-old Bradey Ming]
Now, a fundraiser has been put together via GoFundMe that reveals more about what happened since the initial incident last month.
It states that money is being collected to help the victim and his family cover necessary medical costs and other expenses as he recovers from his injuries.
Furthermore, the fundraiser reveals that the victim has undergone several surgeries over the past month and remains hospitalized, with even more medical care expected in the future.
In total, the fundraiser is seeking $100,000. The full statement reads as follows:
“Recently, our community was shaken by a tragic incident involving a teenager who was severely burned in a gasoline-related fire. While details of the incident have been shared publicly through the news, we are intentionally limiting personal information to protect the privacy and dignity of this minor and their family.
The injuries were extensive. Over the past four weeks, this young man has undergone multiple surgeries and remains hospitalized, receiving critical and ongoing care. The road to recovery is far from over. Once released from the hospital, he will require continued medical treatment, follow-up surgeries, therapy, and specialized care that will extend well beyond his hospital stay.
As you can imagine, the financial burden on the family is overwhelming. In addition to mounting medical bills, they are facing costs related to transportation, daily living expenses, groceries, and time away from work while remaining by their child’s side during this unimaginable time.
This GoFundMe has been created to help ease that burden so the family can focus on what matters most: healing, recovery, and being together. Every donation—no matter the size—will go directly toward medical expenses, ongoing treatment, and essential household needs.
If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping this young survivor and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness, support, and generosity mean more than words can express.
Thank you for standing with this family during one of the most difficult chapters of their lives.”
“A Community United for a Young Burn Victim_Survivor” via GoFundMe
In an arrest affidavit, deputies explained they learned from the victim that he and the other boys had taken a Jet Ski on Lake Kerr to Kauffman Island, which is where the incident occurred.
“According to the juvenile victim, the group was hanging out at the island and drinking alcohol…” the affidavit reads. “He was primarily burned on the backside of his legs and on his arms.”
Furthermore, deputies said they determined that the fire hadn’t been set maliciously.
Regardless, Ming was ultimately arrested and now faces a charge of aggravated battery. Deputies said he turned himself in.
In the meantime, the GoFundMe for the victim has raised over $6,000 as of Monday afternoon.
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.
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