Rochester Hills, MI – In the aftermath of the tragic splash pad shooting on Auburn Road that left nine people injured, including children, a legitimate GoFundMe campaign has raised over $26,000 for the victims.
The GoFundMe campaign, organized by Noel Wakula, is raising funds for the Coughlin family, who were among the victims of Saturday’s shooting. Micayla and Eric Coughlin, along with their two young daughters, were at the splash pad when the shooting occurred. Micayla and Eric both sustained seven gunshot wounds while protecting their children. They are currently hospitalized and undergoing necessary treatment. Thanks to their heroic actions, their daughters were unharmed and able to go home that evening.
Earlier in the afternoon, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard warned residents about a fraudulent fundraising campaign exploiting the tragedy. He specifically highlighted a phony GoFundMe page allegedly created by a Kyle J. Thompson, which had raised over $15,000. “These bottom-feeding scammers are preying off this tragedy,” Bouchard stated in an initial press release.
However, the Coughlin family’s GoFundMe page has been validated by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, which subsequently later removed their initial warning post. Wakula, a close friend of Micayla, set up the fundraiser to help cover unexpected medical bills and alleviate the financial burden from the Coughlins being off work while recovering.
Residents are encouraged to verify the legitimacy of fundraising campaigns through the Sheriff’s Office before donating. Further updates on the victims and the investigation will be provided as more information becomes available.
