Support the Whittaker Family After Tragedy

Please help this amazing family with the final arrangements that Shane Whittaker, Jr. deserves.

On Monday, December 9th, Shane was driving on Route 30 with two of his best friends when slippery road conditions caused them to drive off the road. Unable to get the car back on the road, they were patiently waiting outside the car for someone to help, when a driver under the influence hit Shane with her truck and dragged him several feet while he was pinned underneath. The truck flipped and landed on top of him, causing several life-threatening injuries. Friends with him at the time witnessed this tragedy and will never be the same. Shane remained unresponsive and in a coma on life support, surrounded by loved ones, until early this morning when he passed away. No one got to say goodbye.

Shane was a gentle, deep soul who brought peace to everyone he met. He had many friends with whom he had very tight bonds. He enjoyed dancing and creating music with his friends. He was on his way to a bright future as a translator for the deaf. As a CODA (child of deaf adults), he was fluent in sign language. As his father explained, CODAs are a part of a very tight, but underrecognized community that mixes their deaf culture and identity with the rest of the hearing world. Surrounded by members of this loving group, he learned to communicate with them at a very young age.

Shane's passing has left an unimaginable void in the lives of his family, friends, and community. His parents, who poured their love into raising such a kind and talented young man, are now faced with the overwhelming burden of arranging his final goodbye. This GoFundMe aims to help alleviate the financial strain so they can focus on mourning and celebrating the incredible life Shane lived.

Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping this grieving family honor Shane’s memory in the way he truly deserves. Let’s come together to support the Whittaker family in this time of need and show them that Shane’s light continues to shine through all of us who were touched by his presence. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

All proceeds will go to Shane's father, Shane Ballou. Our children have been good friends with Shane and his sister, Shalba, since they met in elementary school.