GoFundMe created for Ethiopian immigrant who died in Johnson County crash
A GoFundMe has been created for an Olathe man who died in a crash Friday less than a year after immigrating to the U.S. from Ethiopia.
Family of Naoel Gemeda, 31, started the fundraiser to help pay for funeral expenses, according to the GoFundMe page.
Gemeda died during a crash on U.S. 169 in Spring Hill May 15, according to a Kansas Highway Patrol crash log.
The crash happened as Gemeda’s Nissan Rogue drove north in the southbound lanes of U.S. 169. According to the crash log, the Nissan collided with a Ford F-150 pickup truck that was driving south in the southbound lanes of the highway.
Gemeda was pronounced dead at the scene. Paramedics transported the driver of the F-150 to a hospital with serious injuries.
An investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Family mourns after crash
The GoFundMe fundraiser said Gemeda and his wife came from Dembidolo, Ethiopia, less than a year ago and were in the process of settling their lives in Kansas.
Family is mourning his loss and plans for funeral services are ongoing.
The GoFundMe had received a number of donations by Wednesday, totaling around 80% of its goal.
“We sincerely thank you, in God’s name, for all your kindness and generosity,” the page reads.
