CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. (WFLA) — The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fake GoFundMe account.
The fundraiser is using the death of a fire rescue training captain to try to raise tens of thousands of dollars.
“It’s sad someone did this and tried to prey upon people as they’re trying to give and support the family in their time of need,” said Division Chief Jason Morgan.
The GoFundMe, with a goal of 80 thousand dollars, was titled “In Loving Memory of Michael Fletcher.”
Fletcher was a Citrus County Fire Rescue training captain who died in an off-duty boating accident in Crystal River on July 4.
“It was silent,” Fire Chief Craig Stevens said, recalling the moment his fire rescue heard the news. “I think we were all in shock.”
“I think we kind of still are in shock,” he clarified.
Fletcher worked with the agency for six years, touching the hearts of many along the way.
“Remember Mike as a special person,” Morgan said. “He gave his all to the departments he worked for and to the people he worked for, the citizens of each county he worked for.”
“Every day he worked, he gave his 100% and left giving all he could give for that day,” he continued.
Stevens has known Fletcher for decades and said the 42-year-old was a pillar of their department.
“Believe it or not, me and Michael were volunteers back in the 90’s,” Stevens recalled. “I remember back then, we would take turns watching out boys so the other one could run a fire call.”
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement to 8 On Your Side:
“The investigation into this matter is in its infancy, but our Detectives are actively working to find answers. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office does not tolerate fraud in our community, especially when it impacts not only our residents who might be financially donating to the cause, but to the family of Captain Michael Fletcher who are dealing with such a devastating loss. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
“It’s actually very frustrating, Stevens explained. “To think that someone would do that, to prey on someone who had a tragic death, to try to get money out of that or capitalize on that person’s death.”
“They even utilized the Citrus County Fire Rescue’s name and my name,” he concluded.
In a statement to NewsNation affiliate WFLA, a GoFundMe spokesperson said:
GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and takes swift action against those who try to exploit the generosity of our community. The copycat fundraiser has been removed and zero funds were raised. We will continue to proactively monitor and remove any fundraiser that violates our Terms of Service.
Click here for the correct and only GoFundMe for Fletcher’s family.
Fletcher’s funeral is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. at Seven Rivers Church.
The church is located at 4221 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy., Lecanto, Florida 34461.