close
close

GoFundMe donations for family in Monroe Co. boat club crash amount to more than $200,000

play

An online fundraiser organized via GoFundMe for medical and funeral expenses for one of the many families injured in a reported drunken car crash Saturday at a children’s boat club birthday party has raised more than $200,000.

In amounts ranging from $10 to $5,000, thousands of donors have contributed since the fundraiser was organized by Diane Harrington, who identified herself in her fundraising message as the aunt of the two young children, a brother and a sister, who died in the crash.

More: The driver in a boat club crash in Monroe County is facing eight charges, including second-degree murder

“My sister and her family lost their two babies to a drunk driver,” Harrington wrote. “Mother (Mariah) and eldest brother (Jayden) remain in critical condition at this time. The money raised will help give Lana, 8, and Zayn, 5, a proper funeral and burial service. The remaining money will help the family with housing and medical expenses.”

More: Mother of siblings killed in Monroe County boat club accident sues tavern suspect

Harrington added that the services will be announced later.

The Free Press sent a message to Harrington via the fundraising app.

Officials on Monday confirmed the names of the young siblings who were killed — Alanah and Zayn Phillips — two others in critical condition, including an 11-year-old boy and a 31-year-old woman, and three more in serious condition. A boy of 14, a girl of 16 and a woman of 18.

As of Tuesday morning, donations had exceeded the goal, and more were pouring in.

More: Child and woman in critical condition after Monroe County boat club crash

In an update, Harrington wrote: “Jayden underwent a long surgery yesterday and will have quite a recovery ahead of him, but he is awake and in the comfort of his family. Mariah is now awake and also has a long recovery ahead of her. “

She also asked for prayers “as the family navigates this difficult time.”

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or [email protected].