AJ Smullen, son of Assemblyman Robert Smullen, dies nearly 2 weeks after being hit by car

Assemblyman Robert Smullen (R- Mohawk Valley, Adirondacks) announced this morning that nearly two weeks after being struck by a car his son, AJ, passed away due to injuries.

According to social media, AJ was struck by a car playing outside in Niskayuna the morning of Feb. 22. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and was sent to receive treatment at the pediatric ICU at Albany Medical Center.

The driver was uninjured and the crash remains under investigation.

Smullen made AJ's death known through a Facebook post.

"AJ’s fight is over, please pray for his soul in Heaven,” he said.

Offering condolences

Fellow assembly members extended their deepest sympathies in the comment section including: Brian Miller (District 122), Gina L. Sillitti (District 16), Marriane Buttenschon (District 119), Joe Angelino (District 121) and Steve Hawley (District 139).

North Country Congresswoman Elise Stefanik released a statement expressing her condolences.

"Our hearts truly break for dear, young AJ Smullen who is now in heaven," she said in the statement. "We are praying and sending our deepest sympathy for Assemblyman Robert Smullen, Megan, and their family as they grieve the loss of their beloved young son."

Governor Kathy Hochul wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that she was heartbroken by the news of AJ's death.

"My prayers and condolences are with Assemblyman Smullen and his family as they mourn the loss of their son,” she said.

AJ is survived by his parents and three siblings. He was a student at Mayfield Central School.

'Flannel Friday'

While undergoing treatment at Albany Medical Center ,AJ’s classmates declared March 1st “Flannel Friday”, wearing flannel shirts to encourage a swift recovery.

“Our school community is in deep mourning after learning of AJ’s passing,” Mayfield Superintendent of Schools Chrisopher Harper said, in a statement. “We are devastated by the death of such a young life.”

Secretary to the Superintendent, Stacie Anastasia, noted parents and community members can expect a ParentSquare to be released Wednesday.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Assemblyman Smullen's son AJ dies 13 days after being struck by car