The community of Mount Airy, Maryland, is grieving the heartbreaking and untimely loss of 13-year-old Mason Kearns, who tragically passed away after being swept into a drainage pipe during Thursday evening’s devastating flash flood.
According to the Mount Airy Police Department, Mason was caught in rapidly rising waters and pulled underground, a tragic accident that has left an entire community stunned and mourning the loss of a bright, energetic, and deeply loved young boy.
Mason’s loss is felt profoundly by those who knew him best—his family, friends, classmates, and teachers—all of whom remember him as a happy, kind-hearted, and vibrant child. On Sunday evening, hundreds of people gathered in Watkins Park for a candlelight vigil to honor Mason’s life.
The location of the vigil held a special meaning; it was near the skatepark where Mason spent so much of his free time. For Mason, skateparks were more than just a place to ride—they were his sanctuary, a space where he felt joy, freedom, and connection with others.
“He was happy, he was always laughing, he was full of energy. It’s just such an empty hole now in the world,” said Mason’s grandmother, Bonnie Errico, fighting back tears. “I want them to remember he was a good kid who could’ve made a lot of good in the world, and he’s gone way too soon.”
Mason’s aunt, Allison Eggleston, described him as a beacon of positivity and resilience. “Through every adversity Mason had faced in life, he was never seen without a smile on his beautiful face,” she said. “There was never a negative statement, thought, or vibe. Mason saw light in every scenario involving darkness and portrayed that through his unwavering love and loyalty.”
It’s clear from those who spoke that Mason was not only loved deeply but that he also gave love freely. His spirit, described as gentle and joyful, uplifted those around him. He was known for his contagious laugh, his ability to see the best in others, and his deep love for the outdoors and skateboarding.
In the face of such loss, the Kearns family has also found comfort in the overwhelming support of the community. “The love we feel from this town is indescribable,” Eggleston said during the vigil.
“We do not have enough words to convey how grateful and blessed we truly are.” From neighbors and classmates to first responders and local organizations, countless people have reached out with condolences, donations, and acts of kindness that speak to Mason’s impact on the people around him.
In the wake of this tragedy, the family has created a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. The campaign is not just a financial resource—it is also a testament to the community’s deep love for Mason and their desire to honor his life.
Though Mason’s time on earth was tragically short, his memory and legacy will endure in the hearts of those who loved him. He will be remembered for his infectious positivity, his strength, his kindness, and the joy he brought to others. As the candles flickered Sunday night at Watkins Park, they illuminated not just grief, but love—a collective promise that Mason Kearns will never be forgotten.
