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04/26/2016 02:30 PMA gofundme page set up to help the family of a former three-sport star at East Haven High School who was killed in a car crash on April 20 raised nearly $50,000 the first few days it was up.
Michael DeAngelo, 19, died after the car he was driving crashed into a wooden sound barrier wall near Exit 70 off Interstate 95, Connecticut State Police said.
Deangelo was a 2015 East Haven High School graduate and star athlete on East Haven’s football, basketball, and baseball teams and the East Haven Senior American Legion 89ers.
He was a freshman at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) and was first baseman and designated hitter for the school’s baseball team.
DeAngelo, nicknamed “Diesel,” played football, basketball, and baseball for the Yellow Jackets and was a senior captain in all three sports. He was an All-SCC selection and recipient of the Levi Jackson Award while at East Haven.
The gofundme page has had more than 600 people make donations, ranging from $1 to $1,500. The page listed its goal as raising $10,000. It has far surpassed that total, nearing $50,000 at press time.
The gofundme page, www.gofundme.com/22n9s3r8, has also been shared 1,800 times.
Several have left messages to the family on the page. One says: “There are no words that can ease your sorrow, but we want you to know that it was a pleasure and an honor to know Diesel. He was a genuine person and had a heart of gold. We will hold him forever in our hearts.”
Another reads: “He encouraged both my sons to participate in the sports he played. To his parents and family may God give you comfort and understanding during this difficult time. Diesel has left an everlasting impression of love.”
The page has this message on top to those who visit it: “Please help the DeAngelo family in their time of need. With this money raised we can help cover some funeral costs and send them on a vacation to ease their mind some. The smallest of a donation could help and is greatly appreciated. Thank you.”
East Haven High School Athletics Director Anthony Verderame wasn’t surprised that DeAngelo’s death touch so many in East Haven and beyond.
“He was one in a million,” Verderame said. “He was larger than life.”
Verderame said Michael’s tragic death “is a loss for our entire community. He was such a presence. When he walked in a room, everyone around him would just break out in a smile.
“He was simply,” the athletic director said with a voice full of emotion, “a great person, a great captain, a great leader.”