LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a heart-wrenching return to routine, Able De La Cruz Perez faced the daunting task of returning to work just two weeks after a fatal shooting at a local DMV claimed the life of his wife, Raysa De La Cruz Perez, and two others on February 21. The incident, which took place as Raysa was updating her identification, has left Able and his two sons grappling with an immense void left by the loss of a loving wife and mother.
Colleagues of Able at his workplace have rallied around the grieving family, extending emotional and practical support to help them through this difficult period. Katherine Simonton, a coworker, expressed her admiration for the family, highlighting their hardworking nature and commitment to building a stable life in the U.S., aspects that make the tragedy even more poignant. “They were making all the right efforts towards a good life here. It’s just a senseless tragedy that has happened to such deserving people,” Simonton reflected.
In response to the family’s sudden financial strain and emotional hardship, Sean Dickson, another coworker, initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at offering some relief. Dickson commended Able’s role as a father and his unwavering commitment to his boys during this trying time. “Able has always put his family first, and his strength as a father has only intensified under these tragic circumstances,” Dickson said.
The fundraising effort has garnered close to $4,500 so far, with a goal set at $15,000 to provide the family with some financial breathing room. The campaign’s success is a testament to the community’s support and shared grief over the incident. “We hope that the funds raised will allow Able some time away from work to grieve without the added pressure of financial constraints,” Simonton added.
This tragic event underscores the broader issues of safety and gun violence that plague many communities across the country. Incidents like the shooting at the Louisville DMV highlight the urgent need for effective solutions to prevent such senseless loss of life in the future.
In the meantime, the community continues to support Able De La Cruz Perez and his sons as they navigate this challenging recovery path. Their resilience is a profound reminder of the strength found in family bonds and community support during unimaginable losses. Anyone looking to contribute to the De La Cruz Perez family’s fund can find the GoFundMe page online, where donations are still being accepted to help this family rebuild and recover from their tragic loss.