Story By: Victoria Lyndon, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News

An American family from New York on holiday in Iceland have been involved in a tragic road accident and a GoFundMe campaign to assist them with medical, travel and funeral costs is going viral.

Following the tragic death of 17-year-old Zachary Zabatta, the GoFundMe campaign has already raised 128,000 USD (99,780 GBP) of the intended 150,000 USD (116,925 GBP) target in just 10 days.

According to the victim’s school, Zachary “sustained severe injuries resulting in the loss of his life” while his family members remain hospitalised in Iceland after the car accident in the western peninsula of Snaefellsnes.

The accident took place on 12th October at around 1pm when the New York-based family were travelling in a car while on holiday.

Reports said the vehicle came off the road and flipped over several times resulting in 17-year-old Zachary’s death.

His sister Sophia was seriously injured in the accident and his parents James and Barbara and older sister Gabriella also remain hospitalised.

Zachary was a senior student at St. Mary’s High School in Manhasset in Long Island, New York, where he was known for being “consistently at the top of his class”.

He had big aspirations for his future and planned to apply to some of the world’s most prestigious universities.

The school wrote: “Most recently, Zach was pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout. He decided to renovate space behind the stage in Marist Hall for his Eagle Scout Project. Zachary intended to give back to a community that he felt had given so much to him.”

A GoFundMe page was launched by Arlene Zabatta, who is Gabriella, Zachary and Sophia’s aunt, two days after the accident with an intended target of 150,000 USD (116,925 GBP) to “assist a family that has given so much to everyone around them. The funds that are raised will ease some of the enormous financial burden that lies ahead.”

The GoFundMe message added: “The logistical expenses of being stranded in a foreign country include medical, transport, and funeral costs. Additional monies raised will be used to create a scholarship fund in Zachary’s name.”

In just over 10 days, the viral campaign has already raised 128,000 USD (99,780 GBP) of the intended 150,000 USD target.

As stated in the GoFundMe message, a scholarship trust in Zachary Zabatta’s name will be created with any further money raised.

For more information on the campaign, or to make a donation, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-for-zabatta-family-tragedy .

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