KENT CITY, Mich. — A Michigan family is mourning the loss of their son more than three years after a violent incident left him with catastrophic injuries and requiring around-the-clock care.
Colin Clay Rogers died peacefully in his sleep at approximately 4:10 a.m. Sunday, November 1, 2026, according to his parents, Thomas “Clay” Rogers and Patricia “Patty Rae” Rogers.
Colin was just 17 years old when his life changed forever on June 15, 2023.
According to his father, Colin was the victim of a violent crime in which he was dragged approximately 855 feet by a vehicle traveling around 45 miles per hour.
I previously interviewed Colin’s dad on my show:
The incident left him with devastating injuries. Colin spent nearly four months in intensive care before returning home on October 11, 2023.
For the next three years, his family dedicated their lives to caring for him.
His mother, Patty Rae, became his full-time caregiver, providing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The family says they struggled with insurance companies, worked to make their home accessible and sacrificed careers and financial security to ensure Colin received the care he needed.
This is a link to the gofund me.
They also spent years trying to secure a home that could accommodate his medical needs, including access to a proper shower.
Despite the enormous challenges, Colin’s father said the family never viewed caring for him as a burden.
“Colin wasn’t a burden. He was our son,” Clay Rogers wrote in a GoFundMe fundraiser established following his son’s death.
Now, the family faces another difficult challenge.
Along with the emotional devastation of losing Colin, his parents say they are facing serious financial hardship.
The family says years of caregiving depleted their resources and cost them employment opportunities. Income associated with providing Colin’s care also ended following his death.
A GoFundMe campaign has been established with a goal of raising $25,000 to help cover funeral expenses, outstanding financial obligations and the family’s transition following Colin’s death.
In his message, Clay Rogers reflected on the years his family spent caring for their youngest son and the love that remained throughout his life.
“He was loved before June 15, 2023. He was loved every day afterward. And he’ll be loved long after today.”
The family is thanking those who have supported them over the years and asking others to consider donating or sharing Colin’s story.
