Schoharie Crash: GoFundMe Verifies, Centralizes Victims' Sites

GoFundMe has launched a centralized GoFundMe hub for all verified campaigns related to Saturday’s limo accident in Schoharie, New York, which claimed the lives of 20 people, including 17 on a birthday excursion. All funding campaigns listed on the page have been verified by GoFundMe to ensure donations are, in fact, going to beneficiaries of the victims, Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood announced Friday.

“New Yorkers are heartbroken by the Schoharie tragedy – and are eager to support the victims’ families as they deal with this unfathomable loss. We’re grateful to GoFundMe for partnering with our office and creating this centralized hub for verified campaigns, so that New Yorkers can rest assured that their donations will indeed support the victims’ families,” Underwood said. “I urge New Yorkers to protect themselves by following our charitable giving tips whenever considering a donation.”

Some of the funds have already surpassed their goal. Others still need help for the families of the dead.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who lost a loved one in this horrific crash,” said Daniel Gordon, GoFundMe VP of Trust, Policy and Communications. “GoFundMe guarantees that every dollar donated will be transferred directly to the appropriate person. It’s important to remember that when a GoFundMe is created on behalf of another individual, the funds are only released to the person intended as the beneficiary and the GoFundMe organizer does not have access to the funds. We have reviewed all the related GoFundMe campaigns and are working with all parties to ensure the money goes directly to the victims and surviving family members of this tragedy.”

The centralized hub followed conversations between the Attorney General’s office and GoFundMe, they said. (Sign up to get real time Mid-Hudson Valley Patch news alerts.)

Police officially released the identities of all 20 people killed in the crash in Schoharie, about 40 miles west of Albany, on Tuesday.

Limo Passengers
Axel J. Steenburg, 29, Amsterdam, NY
Richard M. Steenburg, 34, Johnstown, NY
Amy L. Steenburg, 29, Amsterdam, NY
Allison King, 31, Ballston Spa, NY
Mary E. Dyson, 33, Watertown, NY
Robert J. Dyson, 34, Watertown, NY
Abigail M. Jackson, 34, Amsterdam, NY
Matthew W. Coons, 27, Johnstown, NY
Savannah D. Bursese, 24, Johnstown, NY
Patrick K. Cushing, 31, Troy, NY
Amanda D. Halse, 26, Troy, NY
Erin R. McGowan, 34, Amsterdam, NY
Shane T. McGowan, 30, Amsterdam, NY
Amanda Rivenburg, 29, Colonie, NY
Adam G. Jackson, 34, Amsterdam, NY
Rachael K. Cavosie, 30, Waterford, NY
Michael C. Ukaj, 34, Johnstown, NY
Limo Driver
Scott T. Lisinicchia, 53, Lake George, NY
Pedestrians
Brian Hough, 46, Moravia, NY
James Schnurr, 70, Kerhonkson, NY

The limo was not federally certified, and it had failed inspection a month before. The operator of the company, Nauman Hussain, was arrested Tuesday and charged with criminally negligent homicide.

SEE ALSO:

• Schoharie Crash: Limo Firm Manager Responsible For Hiring Out SUV
  
• Schoharie Crash: Flags To Half-Staff In New York
  
• Schoharie Crash: Limo, Driver Should Not Have Been on The Road
  
• 'Horrific' Schoharie Crash Kills 18 Inside Limo, 2 Pedestrians
  

PHOTO: The Dyson Family/ GoFundMe

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