6-year-old student struck in the head by lawnmower projectile, flown to hospital in critical condition

SALEM LAKES, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Six-year-old Alex Hook was struck in the head by a projectile that flew from a lawnmower deck while at recess Friday, Sept. 10.

That freak accident landed the six-year-old at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee where he is currently fighting for his life.

His family told CBS 58 Sunday that while both his parents have jobs and have health insurance, it isn't enough to cover the tens of thousands of dollars needed to pay for major operations like the open brain surgery that may be needed to save Alex's life.

"It's so sad that you send your child to school and two and a half hours later a tragedy like this happened," said Alex's aunt and godparent Michelle Koertgen.

Koertgen said her sister got a call from the school Friday that she needed to come to Riverview Elementary School, where Alex attends school.

The sight she saw when she got there was every parent's worst nightmare.

"He was unconscious and bleeding from the back of his head and apparently was having seizures," said Koertgen, "So the first responders got there almost at the same time my sister did, and the immediate determination was that he needed to be sent to Children's Hospital of Milwaukee via Flight for Life."

After surgery to get a piece of Alex's skull removed from his brain, he's now recovering at Children's Hospital Sunday, Sept. 12.

"His current condition is critical but stable," said Koertgen.

But his Mom and Dad are left with tens of thousands of dollars in medical bills, with potentially more to come, as his road to recovery will be a long, arduous road.

Some of the damage Alex suffered Friday will likely be permanent.

That sad reality is why Koertgen said she set up this GoFundMe, to try and help her sister's family.

"There's nothing more that anyone could do but say their prayers and if they're generous enough to donate, it would take a lot of pressure off my sister," said Koertgen, "she needs to solely focus on Alex's recovery."

The family told CBS 58 wants to thank the first responders, the Children's Hospital of Milwaukee for their efforts to save his life, his school, and those who have already donated to his cause.

A GoFundMe page has been created for donations. You can click here to help. 

This is a developing story and more information will be updated as it becomes available.