GoFundMe page set up by Abbey Holmes to help return Alex Aurrichio’s body smashes $100,000 goal
A FUNDRAISER set up to take the body of Alex Aurrichio — tragically killed in a road crash — back to his family in the US has raised more than $120,000 overnight
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LATEST: The fundraiser to take Alex Aurrichio’s body back to the US has raised more than $120,000 overnight.
The GoFundMe page, started by friend and former Waratah Abbey Holmes, had an initial goal of $50,000 which was raised within five hours.
Holmes extended the target to $100,000 and reached more than $121,000 on Thursday morning.
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Holmes was stunned by the outpour of love.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has generously given to this fundraiser so far,” she wrote on the page.
“The Aurrichio family will be so appreciative of the support from each and every one of you.”
The highest donation was made by NBA player Tobias Harris at $15,000, followed by $10,000 from S Schellinger Family. More than 830 people have donated to the fundraiser, with hundreds expressing their love for Aurrichio and his family.
“Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers for Alex, his family and friends. Seems everyone he touched - he made their world a bit brighter,” wrote Richard Corriss.
“Your untimely departure has taught us lesson that person’s life is not measured with years but with achievements and footprint that he leaves behind him in other people’s lives and hearts,” wrote Jigar Patel.
EARLIER: A GoFundMe page to help get Alex Aurrichio’s body back to the US, where his family lives, has been set up by former Waratah and AFLW player Abbey Holmes.
It comes after the popular Waratah footballer, who also played in the VFL, SANFL and NEAFL competitions, was tragically killed while cycling on Monday night.
The page had remarkably already passed its goal of $50,000 just after midday
Holmes paid tribute to her friend on the GoFundMe page.
“Rooch came to Australia chasing the adventure of a lifetime and my gosh did he live large,” she said.
“We are all absolutely shattered. The tragic passing of Alex has left a gaping hole in our hearts – but none hurting more than his doting family.”
She has called upon Aurrichio’s friends and teammates – his family in Australia – to help support his family and return his body to New York.
“Alex’s mum & dad, Lou & Jill, along with his siblings live in New York – the other side of the world – and with this global pandemic really have no way to get here and take Alex home,” she said.
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“We can’t even begin to imagine the pain they are experiencing, having lost a brother and son. Let alone the logistic nightmare that is to come.”
You can donate at the GoFundMe page HERE
Originally published as GoFundMe page set up by Abbey Holmes to help return Alex Aurrichio’s body smashes $100,000 goal