PORTLAND, Texas — A family from Portland, Texas, is speaking out after a boating accident claimed the life of their loved one. 31-year-old Trace Richardson was killed while kayaking Monday in Aransas Pass.
Richardson's wife, parents and the man who has helped raise money for them to cover funeral costs sat down with 3News recently.
"He was an incredible husband and an even better father," his wife Chelsea Richardson said.
She said he was a caring, passionate and loving man -- an outdoorsman, and an athlete.
"He was my best friend," Chelsea said. "He was a great man."
Trace was the youngest of five brothers. He married Chelsea in 2017 and months later they had their first child, 15-month-old Winter. In September, they were going to have a little outdoorsman, Stenson, join the family as well.
"Kind of can't wait to have almost an exact 'mini-me' of him running around," Chelsea said.
Since the Richardsons were relatively new to town, it took some time for their families to arrive after Trace's death, so neighbors like Darrin Max stepped up to help by raising money for the family.
"It just took off from there," Max said. "It's great. Loving hearts."
The fundraiser has gained national attention and has raised more than $35,000 so far.
"I'm so blessed that she's going to get that money and help her," Max said. "She's going to need it."
Chelsea said aside from losing the love of her life, telling her children about their dad's passing will be even harder.
Family members said Trace will be missed by many, and remembered forever.
"I will miss his bear hugs, and I will miss him not seeing his son born," his parents Edith and Gerald Richardson said.
"My children will know who he was and what an incredible man he was," Chelsea said.
If you would like to help the Richardson family, click here.