Community Rallies For Slain Boston Taxi Driver

BOSTON — On Tuesday morning, 60-year-old taxi driver Luckinson Oruma, a husband and father of five, left his Dorchester home and went to work, just like every other day. He was dispatched out on a couple of calls, but everything changed when he turned onto Huntington Avenue in the Back Bay. A man carjacked his taxi, shot Oruma nine times and left him for dead.

Oruma did not go home to his family at the end of his shift Tuesday. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died. Police arrested the accused gunman. Heartbroken by the tragedy, colleagues at Independent Taxi Operators Association established a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help family.

"Luckinson was a hardworking man who provided for his family and put all 5 of his children through college by driving a taxi," wrote fundraiser organizer Joseph Litvack. "We here at Independent Taxi Operators Association, as well as his family are devastated by this tragedy."

• GoFundMe campaign: Fatal Shooting of Boston Cab Driver Luckinson Oruma

In one day, some 558 people raised $27,218. The goal is $40,000. The funds will be sent to Oruma's wife, according to Litvack. He shared a message from one of Oruma's sons:

"I lost my father, not to cancer or any other illness, I lost my father to gun violence. At a time when I should be contemplating what gift to get for Fathers Day, I am left shopping for a casket and planning a funeral," said Oruma's son, Princewell, who described his father was a loving husband.

Then, Princewell asked that folks keep not only his family in their prayers, but the man who is believed to have killed his father, too.

"As you read this, I want you to know that I'm doing alright. To everyone who [has] reached out to me via phone, email & social media, your outpouring of love & support have been very helpful. Please have my family and the perpetrator who murdered my father in your prayers. As you go to bed tonight, make sure you tell the people that you love how much they truly mean to you... I'll never have that opportunity again as my father is gone."

Phillip Foy, of Rhode Island, was charged in Oruma's murder and held without bail Wednesday.

GoFundMe is a Patch partner.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).