Donations pour in for California toddler orphaned in separate tragedies. ‘We’re shocked’
Hundreds of people around California are rallying around a 2-year-old Mariposa-area boy recently orphaned after separate tragedies, raising thousands of dollars for the toddler’s future.
Drew Trujillo, sometimes known as “Baby Drew” to relatives, survived the tragic car crash that claimed his father’s life Sunday during an outing to the snow on the day after Christmas. Three others were also injured in the crash.
But the child’s heartbreaking story began much earlier. In September 2020, his pregnant mother took her own life after a battle with postpartum depression, family members said.
News of the toddler’s tragic story on Tuesday triggered a wave of generosity and support across California.
“We didn’t see the GoFundMe until (Tuesday) night,” said Victoria Trujillo, the child’s grandmother. Andrew Trujillo was her son. “We’re shocked at the outpouring of love.”
The GoFundMe for “Baby Drew,” which launched shortly after the crash, raised over $77,000 of the $100,000 goal as of early Thursday. Pledges came from over a thousand individual contributors, including a $5,000 donation from one couple.
Trujillo had worked as a paramedic for multiple ambulance companies. Many of the donations have come from former co-workers, other paramedics, and concerned neighbors, friends, and community members.
“As a mom and paramedic I want to extend my thoughts and prayers to the family and wish Drew a life of happiness and love,” wrote one contributor.
Some contributors said they had worked with Trujillo, describing him as a “stand-up guy” who was “always kind and professional.”
“This is such sad news,” the former co-worker wrote. “His family has been through so much recently. We will have the Trujillo family in our thoughts.”
Remaining crash victims released from hospital, family says
Three others were injured in Sunday’s deadly crash outside Yosemite National Park.
Trujillo’s girlfriend and her two children suffered “minor to major injuries” when the vehicle slammed into a tree along Highway 41 during a holiday outing to see the new snow day after Christmas. Family members said the woman and her children were released from the hospital this week.
The cause of the crash remained under investigation Wednesday. Family members had speculated Trujillo may have swerved to miss another car on the roadway, but California Highway Patrol investigators said they don’t believe any other vehicles were involved.
CHP Officer Jason Bettini said investigators are looking into the possibility that Trujillo may have been drowsy after a busy day in the snow.
“Everybody else in the car was asleep,” Bettini told The Bee on Wednesday.
‘Baby Drew’ has lots of love and support, family says
Victoria Trujillo said she wants the public “not to worry” because Drew has lots of love and will be well cared for. “God has taken very good care of us,” she said in a written statement to The Bee.
She described her son as a “caring, easygoing, kind, extraordinary young man who would say ‘thank you’ for the support,” she said.
The family said they plan to put the money in a trust fund for little Drew. They’re also looking for a pro bono attorney to help set up the trust, said Charles “Chuck” Stone, uncle to the late Trujillo.
“We’re overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Stone. “We know that no matter what, he’s gonna be taken care of (by) our family, we just want to make sure that he’s able to be taken care of until he’s an adult.”
Funeral services for Andrew Trujillo are planned for Jan. 5 at Cathey’s Valley Baptist Church.
This story was originally published December 29, 2021 at 2:38 PM.
