GoFundMe tops $55,000 after Waid family tragedy

Funds continue to pour in from all over the region after three Pipe Creek residents lost their lives in a head-on collision Tuesday on State Hwy 46 near Boerne.

A GoFundMe page's donations totaled $57,088 at 8:40 -- a little more than 24 hours after 50-year-old Roger Waid, 53-year-old Patricia Waid and 14-year-old Blake Waid died when a Ford F-250, heading west on 46 Tuesday evening, attempted to pass several cars in a no passing zone and collided with the Waid vehicle, which was in its proper lane.

The GoFundMe originated from Schreiner College, where the Waid's son, Barrett, 19, is a member of the baseball team. Barrett and sister Brooke, 27, are the surviving family members.

"The Schreiner University baseball team comes together with heavy hearts to support our teammate during an unimaginable time," the GoFundMe page copy states.

"Recently, he experienced a devastating loss when his family was involved in a tragic car accident. In the wake of this heartbreaking event, we want to rally around him and offer our support."

The funds raised through this GoFundMe, it stated, will help cover immediate expenses and provide some relief as he and his family navigate through this difficult journey.

"Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference and show our brother that he is not alone. Let's come together as a community to lift him up during this trying time. Your generosity and kindness will be greatly appreciated."

Reaction has been swift and steady. The fund hit $10,000 by noon Wednesday, $23,000 by 5 p.m. and, as word began to circulate through many social media outlets, $52,748 by midnight.

Donations ranging from $5 to $1,000 are ringing up -- $430 of pledges were logged between midnight Wednesday and 2 a.m. Thursday. The site shows 578 people making donations since the site was launched

Those wishing to contribute can do so at: gofundme.com/f/support-for-the-waid-family.