GoFundMe raised nearly $100,000 in just over 24 hours for the family of a slain UVA football player

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – An online support system for the mother and family of Devin Chandler has led to a donation to the family of the slain University of Virginia student-athlete.

Family friend Shelly Kreis says she wanted to do something to support the Chandler family in their time of grief. With the permission of his mother, Kreis a GoFundMe.

It has surpassed its original fundraising goal many times over, with thousands of people from across the country paying out of pocket to support.

Chandler’s sudden death has shocked many across the country, including here in the Memphis area.

Devin played football for three years at Arlington High School. While the family lived there, Kreis worked with Chandler’s mother.

“Immediately, my heart went out to him,” Kreis said. “You hear these stories all the time, but when someone gets to know you, it hits home.”

Kreis created the GoFundMe on Tuesday.

Almost $100,000 was donated in 24 hours.

“To see the response, the amazingly sincere response,” Kreis said, “it’s real. It gives me a great spark of hope. We still have a lot of really great people…twenty [donated] up to 1500 dollars, up to 1600 dollars. I’ve seen a lot of different ones, but they always come in. “

Most of the donations come from University of Virginia students, parents and strangers.

Every small donation makes a big difference to a grieving family after a young life was taken too soon.

“It’s something that touches a lot of people’s hearts,” Kreis said. “I love that everyone is showing that they want to rally around him and let him know that they’re thinking of him, even though they don’t know him.”

Crais said Devin’s mother is grateful to everyone who donated.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter!

Click here Report a spelling or grammar mistake. Please include a title.

Copyright 2022 WMC. All rights reserved.