BY ALYSA LANDRY
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
LOWER FRUITLAND – Gary Mike is asking community members to be careful how they donate.
Mike, father of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike, said scammers are trying to profit from his daughter’s death by setting up unauthorized fundraising accounts. Ashlynne Mike was kidnapped May 2 and found dead the following day. Nearly 2,000 people turned out for her funeral May 6, and fundraising efforts soon cropped up to help the family with expenses.
But many of those accounts are shams, Mike said during a special San Juan Chapter meeting last week. The chapter approved a resolution seeking to curb fraudulent activities associated with Ashlynne Mike’s name, and Mike has asked that all fundraising efforts be approved by him first.
“People are taking advantage of Ashlynne’s passing for their benefit,” San Juan Chapter President Rick Nez said. “We got word that people were going around selling burritos in her name, selling stuff at flea markets. We learned that GoFundMe accounts were active without the family’s approval. Bank accounts were set up and after a couple of checks were deposited, all of a sudden the accounts were closed.”
Although some of the efforts are legitimate, the family has asked for all unauthorized fundraising to stop.
“I know people mean well, but some of them are doing it just to make a buck,” Nez said. “We need all of this to stop.”
Secure donations can be made in Ashlynne’s name at any Wells Fargo branch. For questions about donations or fundraising, contact Mike at ashlynne.mike.in.memory@ gmail.com.
During a press conference Thursday at the San Juan Chapter House, Mike spoke about his daughter, who he called “an innocent child.” She will not see her 12th birthday, attend her high school prom, go to college, fall in love or get married, he said.
“Our hurt in losing Ashlynne is still there,” he said. “Yet our love for her will live forever.”
Mike also thanked the community for standing with him throughout the ordeal. Local law enforcement officers and volunteers helped search for Ashlynne, and the family received messages of support from around the world, he said.
“Without these individuals, my heart would be empty,” he said. “Their help with prayers, well wishes and donations brings to my heart a job I haven’t felt for some time.”
The San Juan Chapter will host a healing ceremony at 10 a.m. today. It is open to the public.
NAVAJO TIMES | PHOTOS BY DONOVAN QUINTERO
LaVina Benally helps lead a funeral procession with a photo of Ashlynne Mike adorning her motorcycle May 6 in Farmington.
A black and white photograph of Ashlynne Mike is centered on an “In Loving Memory” poster during her funeral May 6 at the Farmington Civic Center in Farmington.