DAKOTA COUNTY - A fundraiser for one of the families involved in a deadly crash in Vermillion Township this weekend has now topped $58,000 as of Monday afternoon, as friends and neighbors send donations by the minute through a GoFundMe page.
The fundraising effort has been organized for Jared Lazer and his family, who were driving home to Rosemount when another car failed to slow for a stop sign and collided with them near the intersection of Goodwin Avenue and 190th Street East. Jared died at the scene, while his wife and three kids suffered non-life threatening injuries, according to the Dakota County Sheriff's Office.
Jared's sister, Jessica Bridgeford, described her brother as a warm, caring husband and father who was well-known during his younger years as a star athlete. Jared attended high school in Sauk Rapids.
"He's more than just winning a state championship. Just such a good guy," Jessica said, adding that she was overwhelmed by the support and amount of dollars donated to the GoFundMe. "Just amazing. I'm not surprised by all the response... and they deserve it because they've done so much for others."
The Dakota County Sheriff's Office is still working with the Minnesota State Patrol to investigate the circumstances of the crash. The driver of the other car, 36-year-old Jon Fontaine, also died. His 12-year-old son, a passenger, was hurt. We have not been made aware of any fundraising efforts for that family yet.
As for the Lazer family, the GoFundMe continues to grow. More than 700 people have donated in less than 24 hours.
"If they want to know how they can help, this is one way, but if they cannot donate anything... just having the family in your thoughts and prayers and hearts is meaningful to us," Jessica said.