Both family and friends used the same word to describe 8-year-old Martin Ray Campbell Jr.’s vibrant personality.
“He would always let you know when he was around,” family friend Tasha Martin said.
Better known as “Chucky” or “Junior,” relatives say his vibrant personality filled whatever room he entered.
“He had a lot to say, and now it’s just quiet,” said Jessica Solis, Chucky’s aunt. “There’s nothing; his room’s quiet, there’s just nothing there, and it doesn’t make sense.”
Family members Chucky was diagnosed with the flu Sunday. They made two trips to emergency rooms to help, but by Monday, Chucky was gone. Medical officials haven’t determined the cause of death, which leaves Chucky’s family frustrated.
“The not knowing is what’s killing us,” said Solis. “We want to know.”
In the wake of tragedy, the Rockport community has rallied around Chucky’s family.
“Everyone is willing to give, everyone’s trying to give, everyone is reaching out in different ways,” said Martin.
Martin owns the Rock Bottom Pub and Park in Rockport. This Saturday she’s hosting a fundraiser to pay for Chucky’s funeral expenses. The fundraiser starts at 2 p.m., and features live music, as well as $8 BBQ plates. Any money for the funeral not raised by the fundraiser will be donated by Martin and Rock Bottom.
Chucky’s family is overwhelmed by the support.
“They’re coming out from everywhere, and everybody’s got nothing but good things to say about him,” Solis said.,
Chucky was well known around Rockport, especially at his older brother’s high school football games.
“He would get into everything, and he would talk to everybody,” said Solis. “He would just wander until it was time to go.”
Now his family and the community are left to pick up the pieces.
“It’s shocking, it’s just… it’s unbelievable to be honest,” said Martin. “You want to know why, you want to know how.”
“It just doesn’t make sense,” added Solis. “It’s like there’s a big void.”
Chucky’s 9th birthday would have been this Sunday. His aunt tells KRIS 6 News the family will celebrate with the birthday party they were planning before Chucky died.
Two days later, on Tuesday, they’ll lay him to rest.
