The three memorial funds were established for the family of Izamar Linares, 15, who was found unresponsive in a bathroom at Oxford High Monday and pronounced dead at Regional Medical Center later that day.
Roy Bennett, student services coordinator for Oxford High, said money was being collected at the school.
“The Key Club is setting up taking contributions for the family for funeral costs,” Bennett said. “It’s my understanding that they are collecting money at the main office.”
Many Oxford High students could be seen wearing purple, Linares’ favorite color, in remembrance of her. Bennett has said counselors will be available throughout the week for students and faculty members.
Officials still don’t know the cause of Linares’ death. Calhoun County Coroner Pat Brown estimates they will have to wait six months before state forensic investigators have a full report.
Jennifer Monk, who works at the Oxford branch of the Teachers Credit Union, said she opened a memorial fund for the Linares family Tuesday. Monk said people who would like to donate can visit the credit union and ask to donate to the Linares memorial fund.
“Some people have already donated,” Monk said.
Lena Gutierrez, owner of Bottom Line Tax Service in Oxford, established a fund Tuesday evening. Gutierrez said the Linares family is one of her clients and she has known their daughter for several years.
“I haven’t had anyone donate yet, but I have had people call me and say they are going to come by,” Gutierrez said Wednesday.
Gutierrez said people who wish to donate can bring the money to her office or they can call her and she or one of her volunteers will come to collect the donation. She also encouraged people to donate to the credit union fund.
“It’s going to be extremely expensive for the funeral so the family needs to collect all the money it can,” Gutierrez said.
For those who would like Lena Gutierrez to pick up a donation, they can call her at 256-591-9700. The Oxford branch of the Teachers Credit Union is located at 1209 Snow Street.
Staff writer Patrick McCreless: 256-235-3561. On Twitter @PMcCreless_Star.
