3 hours Ago By [email protected] (Anders Anglesey)
Fundraisers have been launched to support the families of the victims who died in the mid-air collision between a commercial plane and a military helicopter above the Potomac River in Washington DC. All 67 people on board the American Airlines flight inbound from Wichita, Kansas, and the Black Hawk helicopter died in the disaster on Wednesday evening (local time). Names of the victims have started to be released with an investigation into the cause of the disaster is underway .
Family members of those who died in the mid-air collision have shared the pain of their loss. Fundraisers have also been established to support the families and loved ones who died in Washington DC. GoFundMe said each of the fundraisers for the families of the Washington DC crash victims had been verified by its Trust & Safety experts.
The move aims to eliminate any concern that scammers could take advantage of the tragedy with bogus fundraising efforts. The team at the fundraising platform said: "Our trust and safety team will continue to update this page with more fundraisers as they are verified." The Mirror has contacted GoFundMe for comment.
To follow The Mirror's live coverage of the Washington DC crash, click here . Shaffer family fundraiser Wendy Jo Shaffer, from Charlotte, North Caroline, was praised as a "radiant soul" and a devoted wide to her husband Nathan and a brilliant mum to their two boys aged three and one. Described as "the heart of her family" Wendy's greatest pride were her children and she looked forward to seeing them grow into "amazing" men.
Friends of the Schaffer family organised a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Nathan in the hope to "honour" Wendy and provide financial support toward funeral, childcare and education costs. The organisers said: "As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we are coming together to support her family during this incredibly difficult time. "The road ahead will be challenging for her husband as he navigates life without his soulmate and raises their two young children.
We want to ease the financial burden they now face, ensuring that the boys have the resources they need to thrive and that the family can focus on healing and honouring Wendy’s memory." As of Friday morning, the more than $197,685 (£159,296) has been donated out of a $340,000 (£273,985) target. To view the Shaffer family GoFundMe page, click here .
Crafton family fundraiser The Crafton family lost beloved husband and father-of-three Casey in the disaster. Casey was on the flight from Wichita with a short stay in Washington DC before returning to Salem, Connecticut. A statement on the page said: "This GoFundMe page has been created to help raise money for their family preparing the funeral as well as money for life without their husband and father.
" According to the fundraising page, a service for Casey will be held on February 12. As of Friday morning, the campaign has raised $1,960 (£1,574) out of a $5,000 (£4,026) target. To view Crafton GoFundMe page, click here .
Beyer family fundraiser Mum Justyna Beyer and her 12-year-old daughter Brielle, of Bowmantown, Virginia, both died in the Washington DC crash. "Their absence leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of family and friends," the fundraiser said. They leave behind Andrew Beyer who the fundraiser was organised to support.
A statement on the page added: "Brielle was a bright light, carried a charming smile, and was known for her endless commitment to achieving goals. She had dreams as big as the sky, with a passion for figure skating. Justyna, a devoted mother, exhibited unconditional love and support towards her two children and loving husband.
She sacrificed so much to provide for Brielle's future as an Olympic figure skater." Money raised as part of the campaign will go toward funeral costs, memorial services as well as any other financial burdens that the family will face. As of Friday morning, the campaign raised $11,965 (£9,642) out of a $100,000 (£80,589) target.
To view the Beyer family fundraiser, click here . Stovall family fundraiser Father-of-one and husband Mikey Stovall, of Dunkirk, Maryland, was praised praised for being a key part of a "wonderful" and "caring" family. The GoFundMe page, organised by Calvin Rice and Tony Roberts said: "Our hearts break for this wonderful, caring, and loving family.
"A family that has always put others before themselves and a family more than deserving of our love and generosity during this extremely difficult time. No amount is too small and all proceeds will be provided to Ashleigh and Jake. These funds will be used to assist with any basic financial needs as we work towards the healing process.
" As of Friday morning, the campaign has raised $55,254 out of a $60,000 target. To view the Stovall family GoFundMe page, click here ..
