Special event raises money for trophies, scholarships honoring Fleming Island High sophomore

FLEMING ISLAND, Fla. - A special event was held Saturday to help raise money for trophies and scholarships honoring a Fleming Island High School sophomore who died last week of cardiac arrest and irreversible brain damage after collapsing in the school's weight room.

About 50 people showed up for the Burn for Ben event at Achieve Fitness Fleming Island on Village Square Parkway and helped raise over $1,000 for 16-year-old Ben Johnson's family. 

There was a $20 donation to participate in the 90-minute workout class. A trophy named in Johnson's honor will be given out to a new student each year, along with a scholarship from the money raised. 

"The Ben Johnson trophy, which is going to be displayed at Fleming Island High, is going to represent students who have good athleticism, good character and leadership -- all of the qualities that Ben exhibited," Achieve Fitness' Katelyn Williams said. 

The trophy will have empty plaques, and each year a Fleming Island High School student will be honored by having their name added. 

Even those who didn't personally know Johnson, such as Julie Cayer and Leanne Murphy, wanted to show their support one exercise at a time. Cayer and Murphy worked hard, showing strength, endurance and motivation -- all qualities Johnson had as a student and athlete. 

"We're just all getting together," Cayer said. "We're having fun. We're living in the moment. We might be sweating, but we're pushing through it and are standing together." 

"It's important to keep Ben's spirit going and acknowledge people who go above and beyond," Murphy said. "He's a great example of a perfect human being, and just putting others first and moving forward and doing the best you can do at everything."

News4Jax has also learned Johnson was an organ donor and helped four people.

Those who missed the event can still contribute to Johnson's legacy by dropping off a donation to Achieve Fitness, at 2349 Village Square Parkway, Building 115, in Fleming Island.  

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