The Martin Reformed Church will have a prayer vigil at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 26, in remembrance of JJ, Justin Lee Slagter Jr., who was killed last Friday in a farm accident.

A service will take place in the back parking lot of Martin Reformed Church near the softball field.

The church posted on Facebook: “Please bring a chair if you wish to sit. The family asks that you wear camouflage, your favorite super hero or Maize and Blue in support of Michigan as JJ loved all these things!

“We will be taking an offering for the family. We will light up the sky with flashlights at dusk so please bring one along. Everyone in the community is welcome as we grieve this sweet young man’s life. As you exit the the church, give a few honks for JJ as he loved trucks and tractors!

Per the family’s request, media outlets are not welcome and will be asked to leave.

Allegan County Sheriff’s authorities said the boy was struck by a piece of farm equipment Friday afternoon while working on the farm near 9th Street.

Kara Smit of Martin has organized a GoFundMe project. She posted on Facebook:

“This GoFundMe has been created in memory of JJ and to help with funeral and expenses due to the unexpected passing of JJ, Justin Lee, Slagter Jr. on September 22, 2023. JJ son of Justin Slagter Sr. and Elaina Butcher. JJ was doing what he loved most, being a farmer with his dad. JJ ‘s dream was to grow up and work at the farm just like his dad. JJ was an amazing 8-year-old boy, who loved playing cars, riding tractors and biking around the farm while his dad fed calves and worked on the farm.

“Due to an unfortunate accident his life was cut short. These funds will be going to help the family for a funeral and for expenses that go along with that and just support them during this time. There has been a lot of requests on how to support them and so far this is the best we can come up with.”