LOGAN — The American Red Cross of Utah and the Hutchinson family are calling on the Cache Valley community to donate blood Friday in memory of Xylie Hutchinson, the 14-year-old girl who died following a car accident last year.
The memorial blood drive is scheduled for Jan. 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Providence South Stake building, located at 360 East 450 North.
Xylie, a Hyrum native, died Nov. 22, 2025, from injuries sustained in a vehicle crash. During the efforts to save her life, she received more than 20 units of blood, including eight units administered during an emergency transfusion while being airlifted to the hospital.
“After the accident, Xylie received more than 20 units of blood. This is something only possible because of the kindness and generosity of blood donors,” said Kassaundra Hutchinson, Xylie’s mother. “If you are available on Friday, January 9, we would love to have your support at the blood drive.”
Blood products are essential for trauma patients, who often require rapid transfusions to stabilize their condition while medical teams address internal injuries. In severe cases, a single trauma patient can require up to 100 units of blood.
Michael Smauldon, executive director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter, emphasized that these events are vital for maintaining local hospital inventories.
“Trauma patients can require large amounts of blood products, potentially wiping out the hospital’s supply,” Smauldon said. “Blood drives like this give us the opportunity to ensure that blood products remain on the shelf and available for emergency situations.”
In addition to trauma victims, blood donations support patients undergoing cancer treatments and chronic illness management. Organizers are encouraging donors to make appointments in advance to ensure the drive runs efficiently.
Those interested in donating in Xylie’s honor can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS. To specifically support Friday’s drive, donors should use the sponsor code: XylieHutchinson.