'Pain We Will Carry Forever': Norristown Rallies Around Family After Tragedy

NORRISTOWN, PA — A Norristown family reeling from an unimaginable tragedy has found strength and solace in the kindness of the local community.

Basketball star and young father Hamid Boyd, just 19, was shot and killed while walking home from the store just after Thanksgiving.

The family launched a GoFundMe shortly afterwards, hoping to defer some of the sudden and unexpected funeral costs and other needs. The response was swift.

Over a period of just a few weeks, a total of $6,849 was donated to support his family, from 109 different donors.

"On behalf of my entire family, I want to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts," Ayana Boyd wrote in response to the donations. "During one of the hardest moments of our lives, so many of you showed up with love, support, and generosity. Every donation, every share, every kind message has meant more to us than words can express. Losing Hamid has left a pain we will carry forever, but seeing how many people cared for him and for us has brought us strength when we needed it most."

Two of the men involved in Boyd's killing have already been arrested, but a third remains wanted. U.S. Marshals joined the search last week.

See full story: Federal Authorities Join Manhunt For Norristown Murder Suspect

To donate and to learn more about the fundraiser, see the GoFundMe here.