Couple Killed In Philly Head-On Crash Got Engaged On Christmas

PHILADELPHIA – A couple killed in a head-on crash in South Philadelphia Wednesday had just gotten engaged to be married the week before. The community is now rallying behind the sole survivor in the SUV, as well as the victims' families.

Joseph Ferry, 36, of Philadelphia, Kelly Wiseley, 35, of Glenolden, and Dennis Palandro, 31, of Morton, all died following the crash that occurred around 1:45 a.m. at 7th Street and Packer Avenue. Palandro and Ferry were members of the South Philly String Band, which had concluded the annual New Year's parade hours before.

Wiseley and Ferry had just gotten engaged on Christmas. Nicole Palandro, 30, survived the crash but suffered injuries.

In less than 24 hours, two GoFundMe campaigns raised more than $60,000 for Nicole Palandro and Wiseley's family As of Thursday afternoon, the GoFundMe for Nicole Palandro has generated nearly $56,000 in 17 hours.

"I don't want to go into details because they are horrific but Nicole is hurt bad and she is experiencing a loss I can't even wrap my head around," campaign organizer Ava Graham wrote on the page. "Denny was SO loved. The Palandro's shouldn't have to think about anything."

As for the Wiseley family fundraiser, almost $5,000 has been raised.

"We are raising money for Sue (Kelly's mom) to help cover the funeral and any other expenses that might come up," organizers wrote. "All money goes directly to the Wiseley family."

Keith Campbell, 29, of Bear, Delaware, has been charged with four counts of accidents involving death or serious injury in connection with the crash.

Campbell, who survived but is seriously injured, was found stabbed more than 10 times — police are working to determine if the wounds were self-inflicted. He crashed the Audi he was driving head-on into an Acura SUV driven by Ferry, with the Palandro's and Wiseley riding in the SUV.

Police later found a note described as rambling and paranoid in Campbell's car, but did not call it a suicide note and did not release its contents.

Pictured above are Joe Ferry, Kelly Wiseley, Dennis Palandro, and Nicole Palandro. Images via GoFundMe, a promotional partner with Patch