GoFundMe Raises Nearly $10K For Annapolis Restaurant Worker Killed In Crash

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A fundraiser has collected nearly $10,000 for the family of an Annapolis man who was killed in a crash this month.

The Maryland State Police said the victim, 33-year-old Victor Diaz, was hit by a car on March 4 while running across a highway to check on a friend who stopped in the road. The fatal crash happened around 11:45 p.m. on northbound Interstate 97 near the Crownsville exit. To read Patch's full story on the collision, click here.

The GoFundMe will help Diaz's family cover estate management and funeral costs. Diaz is survived by his wife, Laura, and his four children: Víctor (15), Marina (13), Daniela (7) and Valeria (3).

Annapolis restaurateur Mack Lewnes launched the fundraiser last week, hoping to raise $25,000. The organizer runs Lewnes' Steakhouse, the Eastport eatery where Diaz had worked for 14 years.

Lewnes will remember Diaz as "a great father," "a loving husband" and "a beloved teammate."

"He had a contagious attitude that enhanced everyone’s mood," Lewnes said on the GoFundMe page. "It’s hard to imagine him not being at the business with us. We have all felt the sharp pain of grief and cannot explain how much we will miss him."

As of publication, 75 donors have given a total of $9,760 to the fundraiser. An anonymous contributor donated a campaign-high $1,500.

Anne Arundel County residents can donate at this link or Venmo @amyprincipe.

EDITOR'S NOTE: GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

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