Help the Gee & Yao Family After a Fatal, Tragic Car Accident

On December 18, 2024, the lives of Gee/Yao family were forever changed when Si Ping (68), Wendy (67), Jeff (73), and Linda (70, Wendy's older sister) were victims of a devastating car accident. A driver (arrested under the suspicion of driving under the influence) crashed into their car, tragically killing Si Ping. Wendy and Jeff suffered horrific leg injuries, resulting in each needing to amputate one leg and receiving major reconstructive surgeries on the other. For the two of them, learning how to scoot to the side of their bed has been tough, let alone the thought of walking again. Linda also endured life-impairing injuries, including a broken femur.

As of today (Dec 29th), after numerous surgeries, Wendy, Jeff, and Linda all remain in the hospital, fighting every day in their uphill path to healing. On top of these serious injuries, the emotional toll of losing Si Ping, adds an immeasurable weight in our grieving hearts. The families have stayed close, resilient, and committed to deploy all we have to survive this tragedy; we truthfully need all the support we can get, as it feels insurmountable.

The realities of life prompts us to shift our focus from shock to supporting the Gee/Yao family with hope and healing. This fundraising effort will support Si Ping's funeral and Wendy, Jeff and Linda with extensive rehabilitation and medical care. Any contribution, no matter how big or small, will help ease the huge burden and go a long way to help the Gee/Yao family navigate towards the new normal.

We ask you to share this story with others as a reminder to stand against drinking and driving. Senseless accidents like the one our family has been affected by should never take place and there are life-altering consequences for irresponsible actions. Please know that your thoughts and prayers are felt by our family during this difficult time.

With Grateful Hearts,

Stephen and Eric Gee (Si Ping and Wendy's Sons)

Joyce and Emily Yao (Jeff and Linda's Daughters)

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A little bit about the family members involved in the accident:

All four family members immigrated to America with nothing but hope and determination, willing to sacrifice everything for the future of their children. They worked tirelessly in the restaurant industry and sacrificed immensely to provide for their families. In every dish they served, there was not just food, but the taste of resilience, sacrifice, and the abounding hope of a better tomorrow.

Si Ping and Wendy have been married for 40 years. Si Ping expressed his love for his family & friends in the kitchen. His culinary creations, such as honey walnut shrimp and oxtail beef noodle soup are unrivaled. He saw each dish as an opportunity to show care, offering nourishment not only for the body but for the soul. Si Ping understood that food had the power to bring people together, to heal wounds, and to create memories. Wendy is the embodiment of generosity and kindness, a soul whose heart seemed endless in its capacity to care. Her acts of love were never grand gestures; they were in the everyday moments where she made sure no one ever felt alone or forgotten.

Linda and Jeff have been married for 46 years. Linda might not clear five feet in height, but she more than makes up for it with a presence that fills any room. She’s a firecracker with energy so infectious, she leaves everyone she meets feeling brighter and more alive. But what truly sets her apart is her selflessness; she constantly puts others' needs before her own, offering help, love, and support without ever expecting anything in return. Jeff is a man of few words, but when he speaks, everyone listens. His calm demeanor is matched only by his boundless positivity and kindness. He doesn’t need to fill the silence with chatter; his actions and words are always thoughtful and impactful.

Thank you for standing with our family during this heartbreaking time—your kindness and generosity mean more than words can ever express.