After the tragic death of a 22-year-old Long Island native - one of three who lost their lives in an airplane crash in Australia on Friday, November 3 - his family is holding a campaign to raise the funds needed to bring his remains home for a proper burial.
William Jennings of Dix Hills was flying in a Gulfstream 695A JetProp Commander while assisting the local fire department in surveying local wildfires when the plane crashed near the town of Cloncurry in Queensland.
Jennings, along with everyone else on the aircraft, were killed on impact, according to a GoFundMe started by Dennis Wickes.
"William was imagining fires in Australia, hoping to bring help and relief to those affected," the GoFundMe page reads. "His heart was always focused on making a positive impact on the world, no matter how big or small. We know that his legacy will continue to inspire others to make an impact."
The GoFundMe page notes that Jennings was a promising mechanical engineer who recently graduated from Northeastern University, summa cum laude.
"William was known to bring light to any room he walked into, and his sense of humor was infectious," the page said. "He was an avid hiker and lover of nature, always seeking new adventures in life. William was a talented saxophone player who played at the Carnegie Hall. He was full of life and potential, and left a mark on everyone he met."
The fundraiser also notes that Jennings' parents are unable to muster the money to have their son's remains shipped back to the United States - or for his burial - and are hanging their hopes on the success of the GoFundMe campaign to help them lay him to rest.
"His father Joe, is disabled his mother Denise works as an aide for BOCES and given their circumstances, they are unable to muster the funds required to give their son a proper burial and say their last goodbyes," the GoFundMe reads. "We're kindly requesting donations of any amount to help us give William the burial he deserves. We understand that the holidays are approaching, and times are tough, but any donation would go a long way in lifting the enormous burden off their shoulders."
If you are interested in donating to this very worthy cause, you do so by clicking here.