Fundraiser is raising money and support for the family of a 12-year-old shooting survivor

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – A 12-year-old Walton County boy is still regaining his strength and walking after being shot earlier this year. On Saturday, people came to support him and his family.

At Saturday’s #TristanStrong fundraiser at the Walton County Fairgrounds, Tristan Jones mingled with other children, enjoying live music, walking around and cracking jokes. But just a few months earlier it was a different case.

In early May 2024, Tristan and his family were sleeping in their home when, according to investigators, they were shot at, with Tristan being hit multiple times.

To support him and his family in his recovery, community organizations Matrix COC and the Walton County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) have launched the #TristanStrong fundraiser.

“You did all this for me,” Tristan said. “It’s fun because I can see everyone, and we have singers singing, we have wrestlers wrestling, there are (military) people out here showing off all their cool stuff, and the cops are out here it amazing. I like it.”

There was a $5 entry fee for the event as well as an auction to raise money for Tristan’s ongoing medical costs and needs.

“It’s to help with medical bills, travel expenses and medical care because it’s been a lot,” said Tristan’s mother, Yardely. “Everything helps. And we are thankful and thankful for everything.”

Tristan and his mother Yardley are involved with Walton County CERT. Their fellow CERT volunteers supported them through the challenges.

“We wanted to help immediately. “Bringing food, bringing anything that would help the family, that was our focus,” said Paula Mazan, CERT volunteer from Walton County.

Aside from wrestling, Tristan’s favorite sport, a big highlight was meeting face-to-face for the first time with some of the paramedics who helped save his life.

“We sat here and watched him come over. It’s one of those calls where we initially expected a worse outcome in terms of his mobility. But seeing him walk today is a miracle. “Kid is tough,” said Brandon Bingham, a firefighter and paramedic with Walton County Fire Rescue.

Tristan said the support helped him through everything he went through.

“You saved my life,” he said, referring to the paramedics. “And now I’m – if it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be on the path. If my parents and family members hadn’t told me to get up and walk, I wouldn’t be running today. I would probably be dead or probably stuck in a wheelchair somewhere for the rest of my life. But they saved me.”

Tristan’s mother said she is extremely grateful for all the support they have received.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said there have been multiple arrests in connection with the shooting and the investigation is still considered active.

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