Thousands of dollars allegedly missing from online fundraiser for late Gold Coast man Seth Peters

Grieving friends and family of a Gold Coast man, 22, who died last month are incensed after a fundraiser raising thousands to support family was left with just $195, with police now investigating.

Gold Coast man Seth Peters, who lost his life at age 22. Picture: Facebook

Police on the Gold Coast are investigating allegations thousands of dollars have gone missing from an online fundraiser set up to support the family of a young man who lost his life to suicide.

Local man Seth Peters, 22, died on March 5, according to a since-deleted fundraiser hosted via online platform GoFundMe that was created on March 11 with a goal of raising $35,000.

The fundraiser organiser, who wrote he was a “family friend” of Mr Peters, said he was establishing the GoFundMe “on behalf of Seth’s family to support and help them in this time of need”.

“I hope we can all get something awesome done for [Seth] as I know he would really love that,” the organiser wrote.

A since-deleted GoFundMe fundraiser to support the family of suicide victim Seth Peters. Picture: Supplied

“It’s such a shock to have this happen and he has left a lot of people changed forever.

“Until we meet again brother, I can’t believe you’ve been taken from us.”

However, according to screenshots shared by a friend of Seth’s, the fundraiser, which raised $4620 ($4504.56 after platform fees) has been all but drained by an unknown person, with only $195 remaining.

Seth’s mother said she had already been struggling with the loss of her son before news of the missing cash arrived at her door.

“Not only am I trying to deal with the worst situation of my life, people are taking advantage of this situation and it is making me feel utterly sick,” she said.

“Luckily I have some really supportive family and friends helping me start to lodge police reports regarding this GoFundMe debacle.”

A screenshot purportedly showing money being transferred out of the online fundraiser set up to support the family of Seth Peters, 22. Picture: Supplied

The mother said she and her other son, Seth’s older brother, were still trying to make sense of their sudden loss.

“We were like best friends,” she said.

“We had no idea Sethy was having any strong mental illness concerns.

“He never wanted for anyone to worry about him and he wanted to be so strong.”

Seth’s funeral last month was attended by more than 200 people, with an additional 200-plus tuning in to watch the livestream, according to the mother.

“My beautiful boy was loved by everyone, and the turnout to his funeral was incredible,” she said.

“We had his kindy teachers and high school teachers and friends from all over come as well as people viewing online.

“My boy did nothing but help people and put everyone else first above himself.”

Friends of Mr Peters’ described whoever had allegedly taken the money as a “cheap c--t” and “as low as they get”.

A Queensland Police spokesman confirmed a complaint had been made.

“Police are investigating reports of stealing that occurred via an online platform earlier this month,” he said.

“The matter was reported to police on March 22.

“Investigations are continuing.”

No charges have been laid.

Originally published as Thousands of dollars allegedly missing from online fundraiser for late Gold Coast man Seth Peters