CHESTER, Va. (WTVR) - Friends and family members of Rusty Mack--who died last Thursday after being in a coma--gathered for a charity benefit to remember a man they say touched so many.
"You don't realize how many people do care until something like this comes about," Melissa Herman, Rusty's aunt, said.
When news spread of Rusty's death, family members put together a vigil Friday night where hundreds of people showed up, holding onto the precious memories he now leaves behind.
Rusty's best friend, Dustin Bullard, had some doubts.
"I didn't really think it was him because I just talked to him not too long ago, and everything was fine," Bullard said.
The man described as a sweet and fun-loving person was beaten to death by a mob of people outside his Colonial Heights apartment.
Police have arrested and charged four suspects with Rusty's murder, including his 19-year-old estranged wife, Ashley Mack.
On Saturday, organizers brought the community together to provide financial support for Rusty's family.
"We have people donating from overseas that have seen this story over in the United Kingdom that have sent donations to that site overseas," Kathy McCarty, the event organizer, said. "So, it's just amazing. We're going to keep the funds going as long as we can."
The family says they will keep Rusty's memory alive, despite the pain.
"We're all sticking together, and we know that he's in a better place," Herman said. "He's not suffering anymore."
Organizers say they've raised more than $3,000 to help Rusty's family pay for his funeral and medical expenses. They have raised $2,511 online at the time of this posting. Their goals was to raise $15,000 or more.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 5 at 11 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Church, located at 3110 Greenwood Avenue in Colonial Heights. Interment will follow at the Southlawn Memorial Park in Prince George.
The family will gather with friends on Monday, March 4 form 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, located at 2033 Boulevard.
Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church or Redemption Outreach Center, located at 101 W. Hundred Road in Chester.
If you want to donate to Rusty's online fund, you can click here.
