WAYCROSS, Ga. — The Ask Anthony team has a tragic update to share with you regarding a young man whose story we told you about earlier this year.
Joseph Manning was only 15-years-old when he suffered a traumatic brain injury at a party in Waycross. How that happened and who is responsible has been a matter of debate in the small Georgia town.
Tuesday night, Manning passed away at 20 years old. He was your typical country boy who loved football, riding dirt bikes, and hunting.
"I know so many of you fell in love with him over the past five years and his traumatic brain injury. He was a gift," Tatum Thrift Walker said in a video message.
Walker says his brain injury contributed to his death. Since 2019, Manning spent years trying to recover from his injuries, in and out of the hospital. During that time, his family was on the sidelines fighting for him.
"He aspirated. Nobody could have ever predicted it. But, it was time for him to go home to be with my Dad and Jesus. I never questioned the Lord because he saved him five years ago when they told me there was no hope," Walker said.
Walker said Manning, who was a teenager at the time, fell off the top of a two-story barn around midnight on January 1st of 2019, during a New Year's Eve party. But, no one called for help until around 2 p.m., almost 14 hours later.
Walker sat down with Anthony Austin for an exclusive interview, because she believes there's more to the story.
"They all sat there and was watching my son die. Changed his clothes, moved him, and still hadn't called 911."
One arrest was made in the case. Ginger Oxford, the mother of one of the teenagers who was throwing the party, was charged with cruelty to children for failing to seek medical attention for Joseph. A trial was held last year where she pleaded guilty.
She's currently serving in prison and won't be released until 2026.
"Joseph was my life. But, I promise you his legacy will live on. Thank you guys so much and I love each and every one of you. It will always be Joseph strong," Walker said.
Funeral arrangements are currently being scheduled.