Online fundraisers support victims of recent tragedies in East Texas

Published 5:30 pm Thursday, July 11, 2024

From Staff Reports

Tragedy has struck East Texas in the last week, leading to the creation of multiple GoFundMe campaigns for families in need.

Fundraiser to help family of teen killed in shooting

A GoFundMe has been set up for the family of a 19-year-old Tyler resident who was fatally shot in the back of the head in Smith County last week.

Rawly “Eli” Sanchez was shot while in the backseat of a truck that was making a U-turn behind a Smith County business on the night of July 4. Seferino Bautista-Renteria, 35, the owner of Bautista Auto Sales, is charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of Sanchez.

The online fundraiser started soon after news of Eli’s death started to circulate throughout the community. Within a short time, it’s already raised over $23,935 of a $15,000 goal. Some 240 people have donated.

“Eli’s departure has left a void that can never be filled. We humbly ask for your generosity to help the Sanchez family during this period of mourning and recovery. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a profound difference and provide much-needed relief,” the description reads. “Your thoughts, prayers, and sharing of this message with others would mean the world to the Sanchez family. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support.”

Last week, Eli was described by friends and loved ones as someone who could do anything he wanted to with ease and a person who was taken too soon. He rose up through the USA Prime East Texas ranks and later became a coach for the program.

Those interested in donating to support the Sanchez family can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-sanchez-family-in-their-time-of-need .

Family of woman who died after being hit at bus stop asks for help

A family is asking for help with funeral expenses for a Tyler woman who died after she was struck by a vehicle while waiting at a bus stop.

Tyler resident Sandra Abrego, 43, was waiting Tuesday at a bus stop on South Broadway Avenue when a car veered off the road into the bus stop and struck her, the Tyler Police Department said. Afterwards, Abrego was taken to a Tyler hospital but later died due to her injuries. The driver of the vehicle that struck Abrego remained on scene, and the investigation remains underway, according to TPD.

Abrego’s family is asking for people to donate money to help with her funeral and repatriation to El Salvador, where she wanted to be buried.

Her daughter Melisa Abrego Díaz made the GoFundMe.

“No one in the family expected this tragedy,” Díaz wrote on the GoFundMe.

In addition to funeral expenses and repatriation costs, the funds will go to Abrego’s 9-year-old son who depended on her.

“Any help is really appreciated. Thank you very much in advance for your help during these difficult times,” Díaz wrote.

The family has raised $4,765 since making the GoFundMe on Wednesday. Their goal is to raise $10,000. To donate visit, https://www.gofundme.com/f/en-memoria-de-sandra-abrego .

Police: 4-year-old, baby sister killed due to gun violence

A former Tyler ISD Head Start student and her 1-year-old sister were killed in a shooting on the Fourth of July in Fort Worth.

Ivy Pierce, 4, was one of three people killed in a shooting at a car wash on West Cleburne Road in Fort Worth. Her younger sister, Wynter Thouston, 1, was also killed, along with 42-year-old Terrell Winn, according to CBS19.

Documents obtained by CBS19’s sister station in Dallas, WFAA, reveal the family was inside their vehicle leaving a fireworks celebration when gunfire began.

Kanard Trent Murphy, 26, allegedly got into a fight with another attendee, placed his infant down, and grabbed a rifle from his car, according to police. Murphy allegedly chased that person through a car wash, shooting five bystanders, killing three and injuring the other two.

The family had moved from Tyler to Fort Worth about a month ago, according to CBS19.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family during this tragedy.

“Unfortunately on July 4th we lost two angels tragically Ivy (4) and Wynter (1) due to gun violence,” the online fundraiser reads. “Our family is asking for support from friends and family to lighten the financial burden while going through this extremely tough time. We are all devastated and want to honor their lives and give them the memorial they deserve.”

As of 5:30 p.m. Thursday, over $8,851 had been raised of the $150,000 goal. Donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/help-honor-ivy-and-wynters-lives .

Funeral services for Ivy and Wynter will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 13 at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, located at 804 Duckenfield Ave. in Tyler.