William Christopher Pettry's loved ones gathered for a private funeral Friday as donations poured into funds set up to assist his widow Karen and three children, including one established by Kellen Davis.
The Bears tight end will also host a fundraiser for Pettry's family at 5 p.m. Saturday at John Barleycorn, 3524 N. Clark St., Chicago.
Pettry, 42, known as "Chris" to friends, died Oct. 7 after his throat was slashed in a restaurant in Jacksonville, Fla., where he had traveled to see the Bears play the Jaguars. A Jacksonville man, Matthew Hinson, 27, has been charged in the slaying.
Pettry's sister, former Chicago police Sgt. Veronica Pettry, said her brother, who lived in Lake Villa and ran a construction and remodeling company, was the family's sole provider and had no life insurance.
"We are so overwhelmed and grateful that the Bears would take time away from their own families to help ours," she said. "This person chose to take away my brother's life, but they cannot take away the outpouring of love that is happening now."
And at least two efforts to assist Pettry's family, including Davis', have been launched on YouCaring.com, an online fundraising site, where more than $23,000 had been pledged as of late Friday.
Several current and former Bears players are expected to be on hand for Saturday's fundraiser, where the suggested donation is $20.
Among them is former Bear Jason McKie, who said Pettry's death "really struck home for me" because his son and Pettry's sons are in the same youth football league. McKie compared the Pettrys to military families he has assisted through his foundation.
"Chris wasn't killed in combat, but now one parent is left with all the bills. And the kids don't have a father. It won't be an easy transition for them, but we hope this will help," McKie said.
Davis' agent, Wayne Jett, said Davis pledged his help as soon as he learned of Pettry's slaying. Authorities in Jacksonville have said Hinson cut Pettry after seeing Pettry talking to Hinson's wife.
A public visitation for Pettry is planned for 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Strang Funeral Home, 1055 Main St., Antioch.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario