Fundraiser Aims to Raise $12,000 for Four Children of Army Veteran Killed in Hit and Run

An online fundraiser has been set up for a U.S. Army veteran who died in a hit-and-run last month and leaves behind four children.

A vehicle reportedly hit Sean Wall, 36, and left the scene at around 5 a.m. local time while the veteran was walking along Highway 362 in Meriwether County, Ga., after experiencing car trouble, according to a GoFundMe started seven days ago by Sharon Oxford on behalf of the family

Following the initial impact, troopers reportedly noted that additional westbound traffic traveled over his body before authorities arrived.

Authorities have not detained a suspect, according to local reports, and are still investigating the incident.

As of 12:30 p.m. ET Oct. 19, $1,145 had been raised from a goal of $12,000.

Family Launch Fundraiser for Wall

Wall’s time in the Army led to him earning the Iraq Campaign Medal, awarded to service members deployed in Iraq for at least 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days during military operations, including Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He was also honored with the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, awarded to service members who provided support during counterterrorism operations after 9/11, as well as the Parachutist Badge, making him a qualified military paratrooper, according to the fundraiser.

Oxford writes on the GoFundMe that Wall’s death was “sudden and heartbreaking,” notably for his four children: Mylah Wall, 15; Oaklyn Wall, 8; Ashdon Wall, 11 months; and Given Wall, 6 months.

“His death happened under suspicious circumstances, and there is an active investigation,” the GoFundMe says. “Sean leaves behind four children who now must grow up without their daddy. Sean was a devoted, hands-on father and the primary support for all four of his children.”

Financial donations to the Wall family will “help with everyday needs” like rent, utilities, daycare, school and sports activities, clothing, diapers, and other personal essentials for the children.

“Sean Wall’s significant other, Forrest Dukes, along with the mothers of his children, are facing the difficult reality of providing for them without Sean’s income and presence,” the fundraiser adds. “Any help, prayers and support for these children would be deeply appreciated during this painful time.”

Sean Wall’s obituary described him as “a truly compassionate and convivial soul whose presence brought light and laughter into the lives of those around him.”

“He had a heart that cared deeply, a smile that could brighten a room, and a way of making people feel loved and accepted simply by being himself,” it added. “Sean treasured his family and friends and the memories he made with them, often leaving behind laughter and stories that will be remembered for years to come.”

Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has found that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are up to 75% more likely to die in fatal car accidents, while Vietnam veterans face double the civilian risk.

However, there is no specific national tracking database that isolates the exact number of U.S. veterans killed specifically in hit-and-run accidents or as pedestrians hit by cars.