Humboldt GoFundMe page closes after raising $15 million

A GoFundMe page seeking donations for the victims of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash has closed after raising more than $15 million in under two weeks. More than 140,000 people from more than 80 countries donated to the cause. The fundraising effort was the second-largest in GoFundMe’s history, behind $21.5 million raised for the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund.

The Humboldt bus crash: background

On April 6, 2018, a semi-trailer truck collided with a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team in central Saskatchewan, Canada. Sixteen people died as a result of the crash, with another thirteen injured, three critically. The team is made up of 16- to 21-year-old players. Nine remain in the hospital.

Where will the funds go?

The funds will be managed by the newly-founded Humboldt Broncos Memorial Fund Inc. Team and league officials are now discussing ways that the funds could be used, with possible outcomes that would include the construction of disabled assistance renovation for injured players. Another organization, Humboldt Strong Community Foundation, will help manage donations outside the GoFundMe page and provide assistance to families, first responders, and other affected parties.

What’s been the hockey world’s response?

The hockey community has rallied around Humboldt at all levels, from youth to professional. The Stanley Cup visited hospitalized players, and Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews and Connor McDavid have each reached out to the Humboldt community in different ways, writing notes of condolence and attending memorials.

What is the status of the investigation into the crash?

Canadian officials have said the outcome of the investigation could take months. Analysts will be interviewing survivors of the crash, assessing the vehicles, and attempting reconstruction to determine the exact cause and attribute fault, if necessary.
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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or on Facebook.

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