A local family is appealing for help after losing two young family members in a horrifying crash near Cottam on Tuesday morning.
Marshall and Blake Fox were inside a vehicle that collided with another, parked on the side of County Road 34. It burst into flames, and while a third occupant escaped, the two were pronounced dead at the scene.
Marshall died on his 19th birthday, according to his aunt, Rachel Presley. Blake was 17.
Presley set up a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral costs and other expenses their mother, Amanda, may have to pay. Presley told WindsorNewsToday.ca Wednesday afternoon that Marshall and Blake are being remembered for their kindness and for the way they helped look after their three younger siblings.
"They were great little boys," said Presley. "They were typical teenagers at this point, but they had big hearts, and they're both hardworking, and just so kind. Anyone I've spoken to that knows them has had nothing but kind things to say about them."
Presley said both boys had played hockey, though that got sidetracked by the COVID-19 pandemic.
She added that she has been overwhelmed by the support given by people all over the region.
"Multiple communities have come together," said Presley. "The messages we have been getting and the donations, I'm floored by it. Now I'm like, 'let's keep this going' and ease the financial burden on my sister for however long, right? It's just amazing. I know the mayor of Kingsville reached out, and they got some meals donated to her. We've had a flower shop reach out and they want to help with flowers for the funeral."
There has been no word on funeral arrangements for the boys.
The campaign's goal was $5,000, but as of late Wednesday afternoon, it raised more than $15,000.
Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are still investigating the crash and have not officially identified the two boys. The survivor of the crash, whom Presley confirmed is a friend of Marshall and Blake's, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.