The late Gregory "Drew" Merritt, known affectionately as Drew, was found deceased on June 21, 2024. His family and friends, along with the community, are deeply mourning this unexpected loss. Drew did not own a car and was last tracked in a one-mile radius of farmland in Staunton, Virginia, before he was found. Authorities had been checking campus security footage and requested volunteers with tracking dogs to aid in the search.
A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by Caitlin Cowles to help cover the costs of Drew’s memorial service. The campaign aims to raise $10,000, and as of now, $150 has been raised from nine donations. Caitlin organized this fundraiser on behalf of the Merritt family, who are grappling with the devastating loss of their second son and brother at the young age of 24. The funds will be used to relieve some of the financial stress associated with the unexpected expenses.
The Merritt family has faced tremendous challenges for some time, and the loss of Drew has added to their burden. Caitlin expressed the community’s wish to support the family during this traumatic time. "Any little bit helps and would be greatly appreciated and will be passed on fully and immediately to the family," she wrote on the fundraiser page.
Friends and community members have also shared their condolences and prayers on social media. April Mellott from Fredericksburg, VA, Scanner expressed her sorrow, "It is with great sadness that I tell you Gregory ‘Drew’ Merritt was found deceased last night. I will not be sharing any details out of respect for his family. Please keep this family in your prayers long term."
The community’s response has been one of collective mourning and support for the Merritt family. Cheryl Drumheller, Amanda Freemantle, Amber Durrett, Joan Cooper, and Angela Frenger are among the early donors who have contributed to the memorial fund. Their donations reflect a heartfelt effort to help the family during this challenging time.
Drew’s untimely passing highlights the importance of community support in times of loss. The fundraising effort not only seeks to alleviate financial burdens but also shows the solidarity and compassion of the community in honoring Drew’s memory.
Note:This post was written and edited by Mia King, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.