Fundraisers launched to help families impacted by fatal Greene boating accident
The community is rallying to support the Rockwell and Epps families in the wake of an Aug. 31 catastrophic boating accident on the Monongahela River near Rices Landing in Greene County that claimed four lives and left one survivor, who remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Two fundraising efforts have been created to help the families with medical costs for Bob Epps, the lone survivor, who is in AHN Allegheny General Hospital, and to cover other expenses faced by loved ones of the victims.
The fatal collision occurred around 9 p.m. when a 24-foot recreational passenger boat carrying five passengers collided with a commercial towboat pushing empty barges, causing the pleasure craft to capsize.
Four lives were lost in the accident: Eric Rockwell, 58, and Racquelle (Fava) Rockwell, 56, of Scenery Hill; Renee (Fava) Epps of Marianna, the wife of Bob Epps and Racquelle Rockwell’s younger sister; and Brian Selvoski, 57, of Bentleyville, a close friend of the families.
A GoFundMe page that aims to help manage immediate expenses and future needs has raised more than $36,780 in two days. Another fundraiser enables donors to drop off donations at the Ellsworth Sportsmen’s Club in Scenery Hill or mail donations to Huntingdon Bank in Washington.
The Greene Cove Yacht Club posted on its Facebook page, “The tragic loss from last week’s accident extends far beyond just our boating community, although I know everyone here feels it keenly this weekend. These four people were wonderful human beings and the world was better with them in it. Please consider making a monetary donation through the channels listed below to help their families during this unimaginable time.”
A post on the the GoFundMe page, “Support the Fava Epps Family,” acknowledged the passing of the four victims and Epps’ ongoing recovery, saying, “As we grieve the unimaginable loss of Renee, Racquelle, and Eric, we are profoundly grateful that Bob is still with us.”
“Bob is one of the strongest people we know — a devoted husband, loving father, and dear friend who has touched the lives of so many throughout his community. Bob has a long and difficult road to recovery ahead of him. The funds raised through this GoFundMe will help ease the financial burden of this devastating tragedy, including medical and recovery expenses, as well as the many unexpected costs that come with rebuilding a life that was changed forever in an instant. These funds will also provide support for Bob and Renee’s three children, Joa, Jacob, and Griffin, who are facing the unthinkable loss of Renee, while also supporting Bob through his recovery,” the GoFundMe says.
The GoFundMe said the Epps family is grateful for any support – through donations, sharing the fundraiser, or keeping the family in thoughts.
“Every act of kindness means more than words can express, the GoFundMe concludes. “Thank you for surrounding this family with so much love, compassion, and support during the most difficult time of their lives, and please remember to always hug your Momma.”
To donate to the supplemental fundraiser, please make checks payable to “Support for the Rockwell family” and/or “Support for the Epps family” and drop off at the Ellsworth Sportsmen’s Club, 20 Ten Mile Lane, Scenery Hill, Pa., 15360, or mail to Huntington Bank, 10 Trinity Place, Washington, Pa., 15301.
Renee Epps was rescued from the water and airlifted to WVU Medicine, but she succumbed to her injuries the following day. The three other victims were recovered by rescue crews following a search of the river.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard are continuing their investigation into the exact cause of the collision.