With the help of over 200 donors, Lauren Baxley has raised more than $20,000 of relief money for Georgia State Patrol trooper Zachary Walker and his family in under 48 hours.
On May 31, Walker was struck head on by intoxicated driver William Hawkins, 24, on Riverwatch Parkway around 11 p.m., which resulted in both sustaining severe injuries.
Walker, a local husband and father of three, and Hawkins were then quickly transported to Wellstar MCG. While Hawkins was in critical condition, Walker’s injuries included a concussion, a shattered right ankle and foot, a broken elbow and a broken right leg.
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With a reportedly long road to recovery, Baxley decided to help Walker’s family by starting a GoFundMe campaign and asking for community donations.
A family friend, Baxley described Walker as a “cherished law enforcement officer” and sought to start the GoFundMe in order to help Walker’s wife, Emilie, who is currently unable to resume her normal work schedule in order to care for her husband and the couple’s three young children.
“What began as a final routine shift before a well-deserved promotional transfer, quickly spiraled into chaos when the suspect drove the wrong direction down Riverwatch Parkway,” the GoFundMe campaign’s homepage reads. “… after an initial surgery and many more to come, he is looking forward to physical therapy so he can get back to a normal life.”
Successfully meeting an original goal of $20,000 to help the Walkers, 219 donors have together raised $20,863 in support.
“If you can donate, no matter the amount, it would mean the world to this wonderful family,” Baxley said. “It would give them financial security during this difficult period of time.”
For those who cannot donate, Baxley requested the community continually pray for the Walker family as they navigate Zachary Walker’s healing journey.
To donate to the campaign or share, CLICK HERE.
