GoFundMe Donations For Family Of Missing LI Boater Skyrocket

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A fundraiser to support the family of boater James Jaroncyzk has skyrocketed in donations, collecting more than $18,000 within a day of discovering his body.

A GoFundMe campaign, "Support for James Jaronczyk’s Family" was created by Audra Reardon to help the Jaronczyk family, after the 28-year-old went missing on Sunday.

Jaronczyk, of Massapequa, was found Thursday morning by Suffolk County underwater marine rescue, with "family and friends gathered," Village of Babylon Mary Adams said.

At the time of his discovery, the fundraiser had collected $150 out of a $500 goal. As of Friday afternoon, the campaign has a total of $18,740.

Reardon told Patch that as a West Islip resident, she does not know the Jaroncyzk family personally.

"As a member of the West Islip community, my hope is that we can send our neighbors in Massapequa any and all support to James’ family during this unimaginable time," she wrote on the fundraiser description. "As a fellow mother myself, my heart wants to do whatever possible to show that there's a community of people far and wide that are sending prayers their way."

Jaronczyk was alone on a 22-foot Progression speedboat at about 4:33 p.m. on the Great South Bay when he fell into the water, police said.

For the past four days, the boating community came together in a tremendous show of support and compassion to search for Jaronczyk on boats, jet skis, kayaks, and by diving.

In a public post on social media, Jaronczyk's father, Joe Jaronczyk, thanked all who assisted in his son's search.

"There are no words to express the thanks for the overwhelming Love & support that we have received from the entire Long Island community during the extremely difficult process of recovering & returning my beautiful son James back to his family to be laid to rest," he said.

Joe also recognized Pennsylvania Search & Rescue team, the volunteer diving group that discovered his son's body. Funded by Christian ministries, the team traveled from Pennsylvania to Long Island, arriving at midnight.

The family did not pay a single cent.

"As soon as I contacted them, they prepped and immediately made the 5 hour drive, from Pennsylvania to Babylon with boats & gear in tow," said Joe. "They instantly put boats in and began a non stop search for our son James."

Te team alerted the Suffolk County Police Department Marine Bureau to recover Jaronczyk's body, he said.

"With out their professional efforts, we would still be searching for our son," Joe said.

He also thanked Mayor Adams, who "constantly" supported their family and was "truly a living angel" during the four-day search.

Joe concluded the post by thanking the entire Long Island community.

"Please know that we are thankful for all of you, and the level of Love & concern with your response will certainly be a part of my Beautiful son James's legacy."

To donate to the GoFundMe campaign, click here.

To learn more about the Pennsylvania Search & Rescue team, click here.