Memorial Fund Set Up For 19-Year-Old Killed On Bloomingdale Ave

VALRICO, FL -- The community is invited to support the family of 19-year-old Tanner Roper by contributing to a memorial fund through GoFundMe.

On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the teen was struck by a car on the crossing walk at Bloomingdale Avenue and Culbreath Road. He was on his way to pick up a job application when he reportedly stepped into the path of a car.

He was flown to Tampa General Hospital where he died of his injuries on Wednesday, Nov. 14.

In his death, however, Roper saved many lives, said his uncle and godfather, Zach Roper.

"Within this tragedy, the family has been given an overwhelming feeling of fulfillment and pride in Tanner’s selfless decision to be an organ donor," said Zach Roper. "Because Tanner was a healthy and strong 19-year-old boy, he was able to give the gift of life to so many people in need of life-saving measures that only he could provide including lungs, eyes, liver, kidneys, skin, pancreas and heart."

Roper said selflessness was a hallmark of his nephew's personality.

"Anyone who knew Tanner knows he would give you the shirt off his back," he said. "I think it’s fitting that even in this time of grief and sadness, he was able to be so selfless and provide for others in desperate need."

Roper grew up in Bloomingdale, attending Cimino Elementary, Mann Middle School and Bloomingdale High School where he was active in the JROTC.

"Tanner was very patriotic and was hoping to join the military," said Zach Roper. "One of the main values of our military is self sacrifice for the greater good of others. I can’t help but think that through this tragedy Tanner was able to uphold that motto of self sacrifice by giving the ultimate gift of life."

Roper said he started the GoFundMe page to help the family with medical and funeral expenses.

"At this time, let’s help them be able to focus on honoring Tanner and healing as a family," he said.

As of Monday, $10,470 had been donated to the fund.

See related story: Teen Sustains Fatal Injuries Following Crash On Bloomingdale

Image via Zach Roper

(For more local news from Florida, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Patch. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)