MARBLEHEAD — When 17-year-old Hayden Sozanski learned that her close friend’s younger sister, Savanah Gatchell, had died in a tragic car accident, she said she felt frozen, but also compelled to act.
“When I first started the GoFundMe, I honestly wasn’t thinking too much — I was in shock after hearing what happened,” Sozanski said. “I just knew I wanted to do something, anything, to help her family.”
The fundraiser, launched just hours after the accident, is intended to give Gatchell’s family space to grieve without the added weight of financial strain. “The money is meant to give them some space to grieve in peace without worrying as much about the financial side of things,” she said.
For Sozanski, the response has been both comforting and overwhelming. “It’s been really meaningful to see the community come together. It shows her family how loved and supported Savanah was,” she said.
Savanah, remembered by those close to her as kind and deeply caring, was more than just her friend’s little sister to Sozanski. “Savanah was my close friend’s little sister, and she was always there for me, just such a beautiful soul,” she said.
While raising funds is one way Sozanski is helping, she said her efforts are also about demanding accountability. “I want Savanah to get the justice she deserves,” she said firmly.
She hopes the tragedy will also serve as a lesson to others, especially young people. “I truly hope that young people and others can learn from this tragedy” she said. “And to always wear your seatbelt.”
In addition to the pain of loss, Sozanski said she has seen hurtful comments about Savanah on social media. She wants that to stop. “People need to stop saying horrible things about Savanah on Facebook,” she said. “I just want (her family) to be okay.”
For now, Sozanski hopes the GoFundMe continues to provide comfort and relief to Savanah’s family as they navigate unthinkable loss. Above all, she said, it’s about honoring the memory of someone who meant so much.
“I just want her family to feel that love and support,” she said.
As of press time the GoFundMe has raised more than $47,000, far surpassing its $20,000 goal.
Approximately 673 donations have been made to the fund, meaning the median donation amount was a few cents over $70 per gift.
The GoFundMe reads, “Her passing has left her family and friends devastated. No family should have to go through this kind of heartbreak, and we want to come together to support them during this unimaginable time. Donations will go toward funeral and memorial costs, and to help her loved ones as they grieve the loss of their beautiful Savanah.”
Authorities said the teen who was operating the vehicle has been charged with motor vehicle homicide by reckless operation, receiving a stolen motor vehicle, and operating under the influence of liquor, along with two civil motor vehicle infractions.
The crash occurred just before 3 a.m. on Atlantic Avenue, where the vehicle struck a stone wall. The site has since become a growing memorial, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes honoring Gatchell’s memory.
