Losing a family member is always a heart-wrenching occurrence. But discovering that your loved one died while scrolling through social media has to be an insult to tragedy.
Just look at the family of Benny Gutierrez, a 14-year-old boy who was fatally shot while simply doing something that is often considered a service to the community.
On May 13, Gutierrez and a group of other teenagers were at a local park in Los Angeles County painting over gang graffiti. Out of nowhere, multiple shots were fired from a car in the parking lot.
According to KTLA, the one bullet that hit Gutierrez killed him instantly. His mother, Rosalie, learned that he was killed through social media nearly six hours after the shooting.
In the week since the incident, Gutierrez’s family has organized a GoFundMe.
More from the GoFundMe page:
Benny, affectionately known as “Hot Cheeto Benny,” embodied the spirit of generosity and compassion, touching the lives of all who knew him. As an offensive lineman for the AV Colts, he exemplified strength, loyalty, and a fierce determination to protect those he cared for, both on and off the field. Despite his larger-than-life presence, Benny’s heart was as tender as it was mighty, radiating kindness and humility in all that he did.
Tragically, Benny’s promising future was cut short at the tender age of 14, leaving behind a grieving mother, two sisters, and a community shattered by his loss. Rosalie, Benny’s single mother and a dedicated social worker, now faces the unimaginable task of navigating life without her beloved son, all while grappling with the financial burdens that accompany such a devastating loss.
No one has been arrested or charged with the shooting and there is still not a clear motive as to why Gutierrez and his friends were shot at, according to KTLA.