Community Raises Funds To Help City Of Arvada Employee's Memorial

ARVADA, CO — A fundraiser was launched to help pay for a city of Arvada employee's medical bills after a lawn mower crash left him in critical condition, but as of Monday, fundraiser organizers said the funds will instead go to holding memorials for him.

Joe Herrin, a parks maintenance worker, was driving the mower at Jack B. Tomlinson Park, when the vehicle tipped over and trapped him underwater for 15 minutes, fundraiser organizers and city officials confirmed. He was hospitalized in critical condition, and his wife and family hoped he would pull through.

"Joey’s MRI on Sunday showed no brain activity. He is gone," a GoFundMe page update read.

"Erin and their family will have a few more days with him while they wait for organ donor matches. His body will help save others which is what he would have wanted. Donations will help provide memorials in both Colorado and Texas. Thank you for everyone’s continued support."

As of Tuesday, more than $40,000 had been raised for Herrin's family. You can make a donation to his memorials here.

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