Sag Harbor Native Dies In Australia; Friends Rallying To Help

SAG HARBOR, NY —During the darkest of hours, the community comes together to help a local family mourning their greatest loss.

A GoFundMe page, "Support for Shannon Whelan and Her Family," was created by Catherine Merritt on behalf of Shannon's parents, Mary and David Whelan; the page has raised $21,827 of its $30,000 goal so far.

"On a day when most were celebrating the New Year, Shannon's family got the unbearable news that she had undergone cardiac arrest and now remains on life support in Sydney, Australia," the page first read, before Shannon died. "With her family being halfway around the world, everyone is doing everything we can to be there for her and help during this devastatingly sad and unknown time."

Sadly, an update said that Shannon had passed away. "As we grapple with the heartbreak of Shannon's passing, her father, David, and her sister, Christa, remain in Australia to sort through logistics and are eager to return home as soon as possible. Once there is an update on funeral and memorial services, we will share it, though due to the geographic distance, we understand it may take some time," the page said.

Shannon's entire family, the page added, "continues to be moved and comforted by the outpouring of love, support and the generosity of all those who loved Shannon. We are continuing to raise funds which the family will be able to apply to medical expenses, travel and logistical expenses and costs that may be associated with future visits to see Shannon's children in months and years to come. Thank you for your generosity, prayers and love."

To donate, click here.

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Patch photo courtesy GoFundMe.