GoFundMe set up to help pay for slain teen’s funeral
The Lehigh Acres community is rallying around the family of a teen who was found dead last Tuesday, the victim of a homicide.
Matthew Kymani St. Marc, 15, was found deceased on a driveway along Southwest 22nd Street.
Since then, the community has shed tears at a celebration of life at Veterans Park as well as come to the aid of the family in their bereavement.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to cover expenses for Matthew’s funeral and burial.
The GoFundMe account has nearly reached its $20,000 goal as more than 250 people have donated whatever they could afford, with amounts ranging from $5 upwards.
LaQuayzia Dolce, who organized the account, said she is grateful for the support the community has shown for Matthew.
“It’s been going pretty good. We appreciate everyone who’s been donating and showing love,” Dolce said. “We’re asking people to donate whatever they can toward this. Donate, share the post, pray and anything like that, we’re grateful for.”
Dolce said she wants Matthew to receive the service he deserves and a farewell he would have liked.
“Matthew was a great young man. He was very responsible and everybody loved him and he loved everybody back. Just a good kid,” Dolce said. “We’re just trying to get things finalized and we’re doing well with that part.”
The community was stunned by Matthew’s death.
Riverdale Pop Warner program conducted Friday’s memorial service on his behalf, retiring his jersey number, No. 27.
The investigation by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing. The LCSO has released no information as its investigation is active and investigators don’t want to compromise it.
To donate, go to gofundme.com/f/help-honor-matthew-kymani-stmarc-n4w5v
To reach Chuck Ballaro, please email news@breezenewspapers.com