Tripp Halstead's Mom Warns About Fake Fundraising

JEFFERSON, GA — Tripp Halstead's family warned their Facebook followers not to donate to fake fundraising efforts in wake of their young son’s death.

Tripp Halstead, the Jefferson boy whose family garnered support from across the Atlanta area five years ago when he suffered a serious brain injury from a falling tree branch that struck him. He was 2 at the time of the accident, when his family lived in Winder, and was 7 at the time of his death. The accident left Tripp in a coma for weeks, in a hospital for months, and in need of special care in the years since.

"Unfortunately I have already seen a GoFundMe account set up for Tripp," said Tripp's mother Stacy. It may be totally legitimate but We are NOT and will not be setting up a GoFundMe account. So please do not donate to anything except what we post on this page. I do not want you guys to get scammed!"

Statement From GoFundMe:

"It is not uncommon for someone to create a GoFundMe to help another individual in response to a tragedy. When a campaign is created on behalf of another individual, funds are collected by our payment processors, held, and then released only to the person named as the beneficiary of the campaign. Additionally, our platform is backed by the GoFundMe Guarantee, which means funds are guaranteed to go to the right place.

"In this case the organizer closed the campaign and refunded the two donations."

Tripp's memorial service was held at Jefferson Civic Center on March 18.

"We still have the same paypal account we have had for years for donations www.tripphalsteadupdates.com and our P.O. box 509 Jefferson, GA 30549," reads the post. "We would love to receive cards to our P.O. box but if you want to make a donation, please choose the charity of your choice in honor of Tripp.

"Thank you for all your prayers and support and I think the world of all of you," Stacy said, finally. "I know your hurting too. Tripp knew how much he was loved and how many people followed his story. Love you all."

RELATED:

Tripp Halstead's Memorial Will Be Sunday, Obituary
'We Are Beyond Devastated,' Reads Tripp Halstead's Mom's Message
Tripp Halstead Dies 5 Years After Accident Causes Brain Injury

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