GoFundMe Effort Launched To Aid Family Of Timari Rivera

WESTPORT, CT — The Staples High School boys basketball team has launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid the family of Timari Rivera, a 17-year-old member of the team who died unexpectedly last weekend.

As of Friday afternoon, the page had generated more than $24,000 toward a goal of $30,000, having received donations from more than 350 people.

"Timari was an inspiration," wrote team captains Lucas Basich, Sean Clarke and Derek Sale on GoFundMe. "He was a passionate student of the game and a leader on and off the court. Timari loved being part of Wreckers basketball and was happier cheering on and encouraging his teammates than celebrating his own personal success. Timari Rivera was a big man with an even bigger heart.

"In memory of Timari, we are asking for donations to help his family through this difficult time."

Rivera, a senior from Bridgeport, had attended Westport schools since the first grade through the school system's Cooperative Educational Services program.

To view the GoFundMe page for Timari Rivera, click here.

(Editor's note: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner)