KEOKUK, Iowa (KCRG) - Aiden Washburn, one of the former University of Iowa Kid Captains, died Sunday at 9 years old.

His family shared “his bright smile and kind heart made every day better for those around him.”

Washburn was the Kid Captain at the September 21, 2024, away game against Minnesota. His family says “Aiden cheered for his team with all his heart.”

Washburn is from Keokuk and was in the fourth grade at Central Lee Elementary School in Donnellson, Iowa.

He was born at the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, undergoing multiple heart surgeries.

Doctors with the hospital say he was diagnosed with a rare congenital heart defect where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped.

“He adored playing with his little brother, collecting his beloved

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