WABASHA, Minn. — As cold water streamed down the Mississippi in Downtown Wabasha Thursday afternoon, memories flowed, warming the heart of Renay Himle.
Memories, which captured the essence of everything she said her nephew, 12-year-old Blaze Himle embodied.
"He loved being outside, he loved fishing, hunting, and trucking, trucking was his thing," said Himle.
The boy was fond of common activities and behaviors for children, including an inquisitive personality.
"He asked a lot of questions, always wanted to know something," said Himle.
Blaze Himle had been a fighter since birth.
"He was in the NICU for awhile he had a stroke." added his aunt. "He was a fighter and he pushed to prove people wrong."
Undeterred, Blaze was intent on reaching his potential.
"So he had a little issue with his right side from the stroke but you would never ever know it with that boy, he did everything that anybody would do and more," explained Himle.
But Himle says everything changed on Sunday, while out on a family friend's farm with is grandpa, near Wabasha.
"He went out, was on a snowmobile."
An activity he wasn't new to, according to his aunt.
"He was wearing a helmet you know and he, the safety precautions were there," said Himle.
Fulfilling another moment of youthful joy, not realizing it'd be his last.
"He just…might've just went a little too hard and might've just panicked and hit a tree. He flew, he flew pretty far."
Himle says Blaze died on impact.
"He didn't feel anything so that brings us some comfort." said Himle."He meant a lot to his family, a lot to his family, and now we have a piece missing that will never ever be replaced."
Blaze's visitation is set for Friday January 13., from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Abbott Funeral Home & Crematory in Wabasha.
A funeral will be held on Saturday January 14. at 10 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Lake City.
Blaze's family said in honor of his love for trucks, a convoy of nearly 300 truckers will carry him from the church to the cemetery for burial.
A Go Fund Me account has been setup to assist the family with funeral costs, and to support Blaze's mother Marie Himle.
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