A local business owner is looking to help support the family of the teen who was killed in Two Rivers.
Kevin Meyers, the owner of Meyers Design Inc., knew Payton Vertz through the Two Rivers Youth Baseball League, as he coached the 16-year-old last season.
Meyers called Payton a good player, but an even better person.
“What I liked about Peyton the best was he was he was a go-getter. He tried. He always wanted to be out there. He always tried,” Meyers recalled. “I appreciated that a great deal. He was a wonderful young man.”
Meyers recalled a story that he will always remember about Payton, who was playing in right field.
A high fly ball came his way, and when it came down, Meyers said it bounced off of what appeared to be his glove in a funny way.
“I called time and went out there, and I said, ‘What just happened?’ He said, ‘I’m sorry, Coach. I tried to catch it, but I didn’t catch it.’ I said, ‘Did you get a glove on it?’ And he said, ‘No. It hit me in the head,’” he remembered. “I started laughing, but at the same time I thought, ‘How are you still standing?’”
Meyers learned of Payton’s death through a flyer that was posted at a Two Rivers restaurant, and it hit him hard.
“I felt like collapsing. I didn’t know what to do. I just thought, ‘Holy crap’,” he explained. “Three weeks ago today, I lost my wife to cancer. So I’m in a mourning period. My son and I are both in the morning, and it’s still very hard. But then when I saw that, I said, ‘This can’t be happening. This can’t be the kid I know. It can’t be.’”
Meyers has taken it upon himself to try to help those who are hosting a benefit for Payton’s family.
At a Two Rivers Business Association meeting this past week, Meyers called on those in attendance to find a way to give something for the benefit.
A monetary donation, a gift basket, or whatever they could do, Meyers said it is very important to support this family in their time of mourning.
He also reached out to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, who said they would absolutely do something.
The memorial benefit fundraiser is scheduled for Saturday, November 14th at the J.E. Hamilton Community House in Two Rivers.
It will begin at noon with basket raffles, a 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction, with proceeds going to Payton’s family.
Snacks and refreshments will also be provided.
