Family, friends and members of Our Lady of Sorrows community heartbroken; GoFundMe raises support for children
FARMINGTON HILLS — The local Catholic community is rallying around six young children between the ages 2-9 who suddenly and tragically lost both of their parents in a car accident in the early hours of Jan. 6.
Ryan and Jen Ambrosio were returning from a date night when they were fatally hit by a wrong-way driver in a stolen vehicle on the Lodge Freeway (M-10) near Civic Center Drive. At the time of the crash, Michigan State police troopers were pursuing the stolen vehicle. The Ambrosios died on site from injuries sustained from the crash.
The driver of the stolen vehicle, a 35-year-old Romulus man, has been arrested and is facing charges.
Jen Ambrosio’s cousin, Brandi Burke, created a GoFundMe fundraiser to support the children. As of Jan. 11, it had raised nearly $443,000 from 5,200 donations and has been shared across social media, garnering support from members of the community as well the Ambrosios’ immediate friends, family and parish community at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Farmington Hills.
“They were so loved, by so many of us,” Burke wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Their families, friends, church, and community groups are reeling from this shocking loss.
“The greatest impact of this tragedy is (and will continue to be) on their six young children: Amelia, Maria Grace, Faustina, Benedict, Raphael, and Julian. Ranging in age from 2-9 years old, they now have to navigate life's ups and downs without their parents by their side.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of prayers, hugs, kind words, tears shared, and meals prepared thus far. If you have the financial means, please consider a donation to support the Ambrosio family during this time of grief, transition, and beyond.”
The children will continue to be raised together in the home of an extended family member, Burke wrote in an update on the GoFundMe page.
“Our family is stunned by the outpouring of support this fundraiser has generated,” Burke wrote. “We've increased our fundraising goal in response and are so incredibly grateful for the community's generosity.”
The Ambrosios will be laid to rest following a funeral Mass on Saturday, Jan 13, 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows.
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