The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

MORE than $24,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign launched for eight-year-old Duran Saunders of Bimini, who is fighting for his life at a Florida hospital after he was accidentally shot in the head by his 12-year-old brother nearly a week ago.

So far, there has been an outpouring of support, with 77 donations totaling $24,766 — nearly 25 percent of the $100,000 goal.

Americans Raul Rodriguez and Yarelys Rodriguez organized the fundraiser to assist the Saunders family with medical costs and other related legal expenses.

The couple, who have close ties to the North Bimini community as second homeowners, initially stepped in to help by assisting with the emergency air ambulance that rushed the boy to Fort Lauderdale for life-saving treatment following the tragic incident.

According to reports, on Saturday, May 23, Duran was inside a business establishment on King’s Highway in North Bimini when he was shot by his brother.

The boy was taken to the Bimini Community Clinic shortly after 9pm, where healthcare workers alerted police. He had suffered gunshot wounds above his left eyebrow and to the left rear of his head.

His injuries were described as serious by the attending physician.

After being airlifted to Fort Lauderdale, Duran underwent emergency brain surgery. At last report, he was said to be in stable condition.

On their GoFundMe page, the Rodriguezes described the circumstances involving the two brothers as devastating, calling it “every family’s worst nightmare.”

“While the boys were playing together, they found a gun and it accidentally discharged, striking little Duran in the head,” they shared.

“At the same time, (the brother), only 12 years old himself, is being held in Bimini. He is not a criminal — he is a child devastated by a tragic accident that changed both brothers’ lives forever,” the couple said.

“Their family is now facing unimaginable emotional pain along with overwhelming medical and legal expenses.

“My husband and I own a home in Bimini and care deeply about the community, so we stepped in to help. We have already assisted with the emergency air ambulance, but the family urgently needs continued support,” Mrs Rodriguez said.

The Rodriguezes are appealing for support and prayers for the boys and their family.

“We are asking everyone to please pray for these boys and share this fundraiser. Every donation, no matter the size, can make a difference when people come together to help a family in crisis,” the couple said.