Fly high, Superman

DIXON – Like Superman, dozens of brightly colored balloons floated high above the Rock River on Thursday.

The balloons were a fitting tribute to Colton Fassler, the 7-year-old boy affectionately called “Superman,” who died Nov. 10.

More than 100 adults, children, and students lined the north side of the Galena Avenue bridge to release the balloons as Colton’s funeral procession slowly made its way across the bridge and on to Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon.

“This is our tribute to him, and it’s also a statement to say that we stand behind the family and we want to do something,” said organizer Jen Cathey, 39, of Dixon.

Last December, Colton suffered irreparable brain damage after police say his stepmother, Tiffany Fassler, 35, kicked him in the chest and caused him to hit his head on a bathroom vanity.

She awaits trial on a single charge of aggravated battery to a child.

While those on the bridge did not attend the funeral, they were able to say goodbye to Colton and honor him in their own way.

Some used black marker to write messages like “Love you Colton” on their balloons.

Many wore red and blue clothing, and some wore an “I Support Superman” shirt from an earlier fundraiser for Colton.

One woman on the bridge softly said, “Fly high, Superman,” as the balloons were released and floated over the procession.

Occasionally, passing drivers honked their horns to the crowd.

As the line of cars crossed the bridge, a heavy silence hung in the air.

Like many on the bridge Thursday, Shandi Manning, 26, of Rock Falls, didn’t know Colton but followed his story in the news and on Facebook.

Grasping a handful of red and blue balloons, Manning said she wanted to do something to support Colton and his family.

“In something like this, it’s good for everybody to pull together,” Manning said.

Brad Burton, 66, of Dixon, said his daughter, Tina Childers, was a friend of Colton’s mother, Jennifer, who passed away in 2007.

While his daughter attended Colton’s funeral, Burton said he wanted to come to the bridge to show his support.

“Just praying for [the family] is all I can do,” Burton said.

Colton is the son of Andrew and Jennifer Fassler. He has three brothers, Logan, Aleck and Andrew.