Thousands of donors support family of missing 14-year-old found dead, raising over $75,000
.png "A fundraiser for Ryan Rodgers, a 14-year-old found dead in Palm Beach Gardens after being reported missing, has raised over $75,000 for his family.")
Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised for the family of a 14-year-old boy who was found dead in Palm Beach Gardens after he was reported missing a day earlier.
Ryan Rogers was reported missing Monday night from his home in the Alton Community, Palm Beach Gardens police said. The next day during a search for him, a call was made to police that a body and a bicycle were found near the Central Boulevard sidewalk at the Interstate 95 overpass.
Police later identified the boy as Rogers — who died at the scene. An investigation is taking place to determine how Rogers died, according to authorities.
Cindy Rogers, Ryan’s mother, wrote on Facebook that her son went out for a bicycle ride and never returned home, WPTV West Palm Beach reported.
As Rogers’ family grieved his lose, a good friend of the family created a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and general support for them, the page read.
“For all of you who did not know Ryan, he was a beautiful soul with nothing but love in his heart,” the page read. “Cindy and family are devastated! At at time of grief, no one should have to endure funeral expenses.”
Over 1,000 people have donated a total of over $75,000. The fundraiser had a goal of $50,000.
The creator of the fundraiser, Janine Lano, also encouraged anyone who wants to help to drop off food delivery gift card at the Jupiter Police Department’s record division, anytime from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Many donors had left messages of condolences for the family on the fundraiser page.
“There are no adequate words to describe our condolences to the family. God Bless Ryan. With sympathy, Michael & Melissa Carlton,” wrote one donor.
Other efforts have already begun to mourn Rogers, as WPTV reported The Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association, where Rogers played soccer, canceled all its games and practices Wednesday in his honor.
A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles were on display Wednesday at the Alton community where he lived.
Police are asking anyone with information on his death to call the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department at 561- 799-4445.
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