Georgia

High school football player severely burned in freak accident

HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. — The community is coming together to help a high school football player after more than 90 percent of his body was burned in an accident.

The Bremen Police Department said Mayson McKinzie was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital after being severely burned when a can of gasoline exploded near his family's home Saturday.

McKinzie is a student and athlete at Bremen High School, and the brother of a Bremen police officer.

Channel 2's Berndt Petersen spoke to McKinzie's brother, Dalton, who said his family is holding up the best they know how.

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"It's hard, because that's not just my brother.  That's my best friend. But honestly, it's just a tragic accident," he said.

According to the school district, he is scheduled to have his first surgery Tuesday.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help his family with medical bills and other expenses. You can donate here.

Dalton McKinzie is grateful to his community for their prayers and wants them to know his little brother won't give up.

"You fight until you can't fight, and then you fight some more.  That's the only thing to do.  You don't lay down and quit.  That's not how my brother is.  I'm gonna be here for my best friend," he said.