CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) - Seven-year-old Brendon Mackey was struck by a stray bullet Thursday night at Sunday Park while walking with his family to see the fireworks. Brendon later died at the hospital.
This incident affected Catherine Hopkins in a big way.
"It just hit close to home," Hopkins said. "I have a 7-year-old and Brendon was 7," she added. "We go to church here. We've seen the fireworks here."
When Hopkins heard of the news, she decided to start a fundraiser online to help Brendon's family.
"We went on to gofundme.com and set the goal at $10,000, and it just took off from there," Hopkins said. "People donated immediately. It started going through the news--all over Facebook."
As of 9:45 p.m. on July 6, 2013, $13,010 has been raised. If you are interested in donating money to Brendon's family, please click here.
CBS 6 talked to Kelly Mackey, Brendon's aunt, who recalled what happened that tragic night.
"I heard like a small pop, but we thought it was fireworks," Kelly Mackey said. "We thought he had just fell, but when we saw all of the blood, I just knew."
Brendon's family can't understand why anyone would shoot guns up in the air.
"This was a senseless act," Heather Melton, Brendon's cousin, said. "It should have never happened. Never."
Chesterfield Police are still trying to find the suspect connected to this shooting. If you saw anyone firing a gun Thursday night near the Swift Creek Reservoir, call Crime Stoppers at 748-0660.
In the meantime, a vigil will be held Sunday, July 7 at 7:30 in the sanctuary at the Brandermill Church .
