PORT ARANSAS, Texas — Dozens gathered in Port Aransas on Friday night to honor Jared Hunt.
The 25-year-old died in a boat crash in Port Aransas last Saturday. A GoFundMe was created as a memorial fund for multiple organizations that were important to Hunt.
Family and friends prayed for Hunt near the site of the accident, which happened in the ship channel in Port Aransas.
Kathy Rios, his youth minister through middle and high school, described him as the most sweet and gentle man she had ever met.
"Beautiful inside and out, always with a smile," Rios said. "Just enjoyed being in the church with him, whether we were doing mission work or bible study or leadership."
The Jared Hunt 512 Memorial Fund now has more than $67,000 raised. Rios said that is the perfect way to honor Hunt.
“You can send flowers, you can make a casserole, but how about helping his foundation that will then help other kids in all kinds of ways,” Rios said.
Ellie Tilton went to Calallen High School and Texas A&M University with Hunt and knew him well.
She said the memorial fund will help with the Nueces County Junior Livestock Show, Sea City Work Camp, Texas A&M Association of Former Students Aggie Ring Scholarship Program, Lou Gehrig's Disease and Ronald McDonald House Charities.
“Each and every time that I refresh my GoFundMe, I’m like, ‘Wow,’ this is the impact he has had on other people, and that he gets to now have for many, many, many years to come,” Tilton said.
She said it was important for Hunt's family and friends to support each other after the accident.
“I just want to encourage everybody, hug your family, hug your loved ones, tell them you love them," Tilton said. " 'Cause you just never know.”