Help for Quarius Dunham’s Family

Quarius Naqua Dunham, a third grader at Little Harbour School in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was fatally shot while on vacation with his family in South Carolina to attend his brother's graduation. He was riding in the family car when he was shot by a man randomly shooting at passing vehicles. He was just 8 years old.

This sweet child touched every person he met with his vibrant smile, infectious laugh, snappy shoes, and ambitious dreams. He was known around school as the fastest runner, the best kickball player, superb soccer guru, and a “god” at basketball. He dreamed of one day playing in the NBA, and people around him really believed this could happen. He always greeted people with a hug, and lit up every room he was in. One of the amazing things about his spirit is that he literally made every kid he was around think they were his best friend.

 Quarius leaves behind his mother, Tecali, who is expecting a baby in September, and his father Matthew, who was badly wounded in the shooting and remains hospitalized. Tecali is living out of a hotel in South Carolina, grieving and trying to be there for her husband through his recovery. They are not working at this time and face mounting bills for housing, medical care, meals and other living expenses. They’re trying to afford three memorials for Quarius – a family wake in South Carolina, a full family service in North Carolina and a memorial service with their community in Portsmouth. Once they return home to New Hampshire, Tecali will be preparing to care for a newborn while she supports her husband on his journey to heal from a gunshot injury.

Our hearts and prayers are with this family as we support them through this heart-wrenching tragedy and try to help them welcome a new child into the world. Donations of any size will go a long way to help ease their financial burden at this unimaginably difficult time.