Efforts are continuing to help raise funds for the family of a Hartsburg man killed in an accident earlier this week.
Dustin Walker, 30, was killed Tuesday when his vehicle was hit by a dump truck on U.S. 63 in Macon County.
Since that time, Travis Owens, who was a friend of Walker's since grade school, set up a gofundme.com site to raise funds for the final expenses and to help with the baby Walker's wife Amy is expected to deliver Wednesday.
"I just want to reiterate what an amazing family this is and what an unfathomable tragedy this is, particularly for his wife who is due to give birth to their first child any day," Owens said. "Also, I just want to say I am the campaign manager, but this wasn't fully my idea. Several friends and relatives suggested this idea, and I just took it and ran with it.
"The campaign started Wednesday. We've had thousands of individual visits to the campaign page and hundreds of shares on Facebook. As of Friday, our goal was to reach $7,500, and I am confident we can meet that."
Owens said the outpouring of support from strangers is overwhelming.
"There are folks from all over the country donating," he said. "I guess I should add that we don't really know the breakdown of friends/relatives versus strangers as donors. I have seen current and former co-workers of Dustin, former co-workers of Amy, former classmates of each, as well as friends and relatives."
Owens said all donations will go toward funeral and burial expenses and assisting Amy and their soon-to-be-born baby, Chloe, with basic living expenses until Amy can return to work. She has been unable to work during the pregnancy under doctor's orders. Some of the money will also be used to establish an educational trust fund for Chloe.
"We don't have a specific cutoff date in mind, but I hope to keep it live for at least another 2 weeks," Owens said.
To donate, go to gofundme.com/w5ftpb3 and you'll be directed on how to "Help the Walker Family."