The family of two brothers who were killed in a shooting outside a bar in West Haven, Connecticut on Saturday is seeking help to take their bodies back to Jamaica for burial.
The men, 31-year-old Miquel Blake, and 34-year-old Dravere Blake, were reportedly gunned down about 1:30 a.m. on June 20. Both men were found unresponsive by police and were taken to hospital where they were pronounced dead.
No arrests have been made and the police say investigation is ongoing.
Their mother, Marie Blake, who organised a GoFundMe account to assist with funeral expenses, said the family is heartbroken, shocked, and struggling to process this unimaginable loss, and is desirous of bringing them home to Jamaica for burial.
“As we grieve, we are now faced with the difficult responsibility of bringing them home to Jamaica so they can be laid to rest surrounded by their family and the place they called home in their hearts. This is something our family desperately wants to do to honor their memory and give them a proper farewell,” she said.
However, she said the financial burden of transporting their bodies internationally, covering funeral arrangements, and related expenses is overwhelming for the family during this already devastating time.
The GofundMe page was launched two days ago. So far, US$3,615 has been raised from the goal of US$30,000.
The family says funds will go towards international transportation to bring them back to Jamaica, funeral and burial costs, and associated travel and administrative expenses
“They were loving parents, family members, and friends who touched the lives of so many people. Beyond the pain of losing them, our hearts ache for the children they have left behind. These children must now face life without the love, guidance, and support from a father figure, a loss that no child should ever have to endure,” the family said.
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