An online fundraiser organized through GoFundMe for medical and funeral expenses for one of the many families injured in what authorities said was a drunken driving crash Saturday at a child’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, in her fundraising message, identified herself as the aunt of the two young children, a brother and sister, killed in the crash.
"My sister and her family have lost their two babies to a drunk driver," Harrington wrote. "Mom (Mariah) and oldest brother (Jayden) are still in critical condition at this time. Monies raised will help give Lana age 8 and Zayn age 5 a proper funeral and burial service. Left over monies will help the family with housing and medical expenses."
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Harrington added that services will be announced later.
The Free Press sent a message to Harrington through the fundraising app.
Officials confirmed the names on Monday 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 14-year-old boy, 16-year-old girl, and an 18-year-old woman.
As of Tuesday morning, the donation tally had exceeded the goal, with more pouring in.
More: Child, woman in critical condition in aftermath of Monroe County boat club crash
In an update, Harrington wrote: "Jayden had a long surgery yesterday and will have quite the 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 through this tough time."
Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Fundraiser for Monroe County crash victims exceeds $200,000 in donations
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