Funds Raised For Victims Killed, Injured In IL Tornado, Roof Collapse

BELVIDERE, IL — Funds are being raised for the family of a 50-year-old man killed when the roof of a theater in Belvidere collapsed after being hit by a tornado Friday. Fundraisers have also been set up for several people recovering after becoming trapped inside the Apollo Theatre during a heavy metal concert.

As of Tuesday, more than $41,000 has been raised for the family of Fred Livingston Jr., who was pronounced dead at the scene after being pulled from the rubble. According to a GoFundMe, Fred leaves behind three sons, Alex, Fred III and Shane, and funds raised will "help with the costs that come along with losing a family member."

Fred's son, Alex, was standing next to him when the roof collapsed, according t0 ABC.

"I couldn't save him," he said. "It happened so fast, man."

Fred's family described him as loving, selfless, funny and "just an all around bad ass," according to the GoFundMe.

"He brought so much love and laughter to our family. The memories we all have will never be forgotten and will forever be in our hearts," according to the GoFundMe.

• 4 Dead In Illinois, 16 Tornadoes Confirmed In Friday's Severe Weather

The family also expressed their gratitude for the money raised in the first days since the GoFundMe was posted.

"We are so incredibly grateful for all of the kind words, donations, prayers and good thoughts. Your outpouring love has given our family such comfort in knowing we are cared and loved for. That in such a horrible tragedy there has been so much good," according to a Sunday update on the GoFundMe page. "These last couple of days have been very difficult for the family and thanks to all of you, you've brought some light to a dark and difficult situation."

• Tornado Caused Theater Roof Collapse That Killed 1, Injured 40: NWS

About 260 people were attending the heavy metal concert, headlined by metal band Morbid Angel, when the roof collapsed at the theater, located at 104 N. State St. In total, 48 people were injured, including five people who remained in critical condition, Gov. J.B Pritzker said while visiting Belvidere Sunday.

Among those critically injured was Victoria Bella, who suffered brain bleed, a cut to her head that required staples, a broken leg that required surgery and two broken fingers. Her fiancé, Michelle, was also injured, suffering a broken back and wrist and a cut to her head.

Bella's sister, Lindsay Grosscup, of Crystal Lake, set up a GoFundMe for her sister to help pay for rent and medical bills. As of Tuesday morning, more than $1,400 has been raised.

"I can’t imagine how she must have felt during the time of the collapse, and I can’t begin to imagine how she is feeling going through all of this, both physically and mentally," Grosscup wrote.

An additional $29,000 has been raised for Bella's fiancee, Michelle, through a GoFundMe set up by Michelle's sister. On Monday, her sister, Kim, wrote that Michelle underwent back surgery, which was a success.

"She is not in any way paralyzed which is a miracle alone," Kim wrote. She added that Bella had been moved from the intensive care unit after a successful surgery.

"We are forever so very thankful for everybody's thoughts and prayers. She has a long road to recovery but she's going to pull through," Kim wrote in the Monday update on the GoFundMe page. "Again, thank you a million times to those who have taken the time to show you care.I ask that you please hug your loved ones tight, you just never know"

An online fundraiser has also been set up for Dylan Crone, who is a frequent concert attendee that typically stands in the back, according to a GoFundMe. While at the Apollo on Friday, attending Morbid Angels with three co-workers, he decided to stand in the front.

"The roof caved in at The Apollo in Belvidere landing on him and his three coworkers leaving them all in absolutely terrible conditions,"according to a GoFundMe for Dylan, which has brought in more than $4,600.

Dylan has staples and stitches on his face and head, four rib fractures in several places, fractures to vertebrae in his lower back and a hole in one of his lungs. According to the GoFundMe, he has a long road to recovery, will need to undergo physical therapy and will be missing work for awhile.

More than $4,500 has been raised for another concert goer, Mark, who also became pinned under the rubble when the roof collapsed at the Apollo.

"Mark was also there with his 14 year old son who sustained minor injuries. This has required Mark to have two surgeries so far including a metal rod in his body to help recover and will take time to rehabilitate," according to the GoFundMe. "This will cause Mark to be out of work and will be much more difficult to provide for his family."

Paul Rojas was injured while "doing what he loves," and was pulled from the rubble after concert goers lifted the roof off of him.

"Paul is the main source of income for his wife, 3 children and himself. This tragic accident caused Paul to break his femur along with many other minor injures," according to the GoFundMe, which has brought in more than $1,600 so far. "He had surgery on 4/1 to have a rod and screws placed to help repair his femur. He will be out of work for at least 6 months to heal, recover and any therapy he may have to endure."

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.