GoFundMe Created To Help Family After Death Of Child, 10, Who Fell Into Branford River

BRANFORD, CT — Countless people have opened their hearts and their wallets to try and provide some level of comfort to the family of Ben Callahan, 10, who are mourning his tragic death. Ben died Friday after falling into the Branford River Friday afternoon and was swept away by a current.

Since his death, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched and nearly $9,000 has been raised in just 24 hours. A candlelight vigil is being held 7:30 p.m. tonight (Sunday, July 9) on the Branford Green. A memorial has been created near the river and it's overflowing with flowers and memorabilia as Ben loved sports. His jersey hangs there.

See also: More Than 1,000 Attend Candlelight Vigil Sunday night To 'Celebrate The Life Of Ben' Callahan, 10

The GoFundMe campaign was created by Fuzz Florio and it reads:

Please help support the Callahans through this devastating time. Anything helps. On July 7th, Ben Callahan tragically passed away. He leaves behind his loving parents, Dave and Paula, and his 2 amazing brothers Cooper and Scout. The family shared an inseparable bond with each other. Ben was a loving, strong, caring, one of a kind, and special boy with a huge heart and smile. He excelled in every sport he played, devoting himself 100% always. This money is for the Callahans to do whatever they feel is needed right now. Any donation would be greatly appreciated and we thank you for your support. We love you Ben. #2, always and forever. Rest easy buddy."

• You can go directly to the GoFundMe campaign here.

Eric Fiengo, President Branford Football, released an emotional statement on Saturday concerning Ben and the legacy he leaves behind, calling him a "true warrior." Ben would also take the time to help anyone in need, Fiengo said.

"Dear Branford Hornet Family and Community. We are deeply saddened to announce that on Friday we have lost a wonderful child in our community.

Ben Callahan just 10 years-old was an outstanding athlete and he excelled in just about anything he did. He had a love and a passion for football, basketball and lacrosse, he pushed himself to the max in each sport and would often wear his heart on his sleeve like a " true warrior"as he is often called.

Ben also excelled in the classroom and was talented in so many ways. He loved instruments, music, cooking for his family and he enjoyed helping his dad multi task at work.

Ben should be labeled as a humanitarian. He would spend time helping anyone that needed help, whether it be a neighbor, family member, friend or his fellow campers, he was there to help when you needed him.
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Ben was #2 of three boys, Cooper #1 and Scout # 3, these brothers where inseparable! They were always together, they were best of friends. These boys were raised with nothing but love by Dave and Paula and their loving family. Anytime you see them they always had smiles on their faces. They have respect,and love and care for people in general.

The Branford Community lost a great child on Friday but his spirit will reign through each and everyone of us! Ben you will always be remembered as a friend to all and #2 to all of us. You have touched so many people in your short time here on earth.

The Branford Football community and Callahan Family would like to invite all to come to the Branford Town Green Tomorrow evening (Sunday) at 7:30 p.m. for a candle light vigil to celebrate the life of Ben Callahan #2," Fiengo's statement concludes.

Branford Superintendent of Schools Hamlet M. Hernandez released a statement Friday expressing his grief over the death of the child.

"(Friday), a ten-year-old child who attends the Branford Public Schools tragically lost his life...Our collective hearts are broken and our thoughts and prayers are with the family. The school district is arranging for grief counselors to support children expierencing difficulties with the tragic passing of a classmate."

Information regarding grief counselors will be posted on the district's website at http://www.branfordschools.org...on Sunday.

Images via GoFundMe and Jack Kramer