Support Dan Savell's Children's Future after Tragic Loss

Dan Gofundme

Hi, my name is Marrisa and I am fundraising for Abby Savell and her family after the tragic loss of her husband Dan on November 17, 2023. He sustained a traumatic brain injury caused by a skateboarding accident. It left him fighting for his life for over 2.5 weeks as his family hoped and prayed for a miracle.

Dan is survived by his wife, Abby and 3 children – ages 15, 12 and 7 years.

We’ve created a GoFundMe campaign to help support Abby and her children financially to allow them the ability to walk through the grieving process. The money raised will go to support the kids educational expenses. But first, let me tell you about Dan so you understand the magnitude of his loss.

Dan was my cousin so I know first hand how his passing is incomprehensible to his family. As I sit down to write this I really don't have words to express the depth of sadness that has filled our family members, fellow musicians and all who knew him. So, I will tell you who Dan was personally and professionally and who Dan & Abby were as a team and why your donation is so important.

Dan was an exceptional human who was widely known for his humor, bubbly personality, creativity, and musicianship. Abby says, “He was an excellent dad and an attentive partner to me, showing love at any chance.” Dan loved his children with all his heart and was an active and involved father. With Abby, he found his match in the world and loved her deeply. He was deeply connected and loved by both his family and Abby’s family.

In a dedication on social media, a friend wrote, “Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Dan knows how generous he was with his time and talents. Dan would always have a smile and a good story to share even if he was in a rush to get to his next delivery/pickup/gig/his kids’ events/etc... To play music together with him was an even luckier experience.”

Dan loved to quote movies. He loved crass comics. He loved to make fun of bad music. He treated people well and deeply cared about his friends. He was always a good listener and comrade. He connected people and he was thoughtful and charming. Dan was courageous and fearless to speak up about social issues in his scope. Yet, he had an easy laugh and playful spirit. He was smart, hard-working, and dedicated. He always went the extra mile. When I think of Dan, I hear his laugh, the sly look on his face when he's chuckling and looking at you.

Dan loved his friends, his family, and music, and was given the gift of talent. He brought light into the room. The world is a little bit darker today without him.

Dan & Abby

They met online in Los Angeles in 2002. Dan was an alumnus of CalArts. When they met, Abby had already auditioned for CalArts and been accepted. They fell in love over a similar sense of humor, creative drive, and purpose for being in the arts. Dan and Abby became a husband and wife-team of professional percussionists. But the love of percussion is hardly the only connection. They shared many strange coincidences. Both their parents grew up in Ohio and moved to California. The same band even played at both of their parents’ weddings in Dayton, Ohio! Next month Dan and Abby would have celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary.

They played steel drums and performed from San Diego to the Central Coast and out to the desert and started to look at their future and what they could create close to home as they began their family. They started buying instruments not only to use as musicians but also to rent and unbeknownst to them at the time, they had actually started what is now a massive, worldwide-renowned collection called L.A. Percussion & Backline Rentals. This small company has made a large impact in performing arts, as ambassadors to percussion and musicians. Their enthusiasm and diligence in collaborating with composers and music production staff has been infectious. It contributed so much positivity to the arts, especially in Southern California.

With Dan's passing, Abby is left as the sole support of their 3 children to help them navigate their grief while simultaneously meeting the demands of their business, Dan's legacy. To do this as Abby grieves and figures out her new way of life, she needs our support. This includes financial support for the kids educational fund and healthcare expenses while Abby works to keep their unique business in motion.

Please donate whatever you can

Much love, thanks and gratitude from Abby and her children