Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Community,
On Monday, November 10, 2025, Christopher Franklin and his family experienced a life-altering tragedy on Interstate 79 near Star City, West Virginia.
Their passenger vehicle was involved in a severe collision with a tractor-trailer. The impact claimed the life of one of their sons.
Their other son remains in critical condition at JW Ruby Memorial Hospital.
Chris sustained a broken shoulder.
His wife suffered a broken arm and multiple fractured ribs.
Their daughter, while physically uninjured, is coping with profound emotional trauma.
Christopher is a dedicated father, husband, and valued member of our workplace (conductor on GO trains). He has always prioritized family, hard work, and service to others.
Now, they need our collective support to navigate this crisis
### Why I’m Organizing This Fundraiser
In 2018, I was the one in ICU—fighting for my life after a sudden hospitalization. Two colleagues from Bombardier (then GO Train operators) created a GoFundMe for my wife and me. Their kindness covered bills, gave us breathing room, and showed the true strength of our rail family. I promised myself then: when the time came, I’d pay it forward.
That time is now.
Chris Franklin is more than a colleague—he’s a brother on the rails. We worked the same GO Transit routes and shifts out of Hamilton, Ontario, for months before this tragedy. Seeing his family endure this unimaginable loss and fight for survival moves me to act. I feel privileged to coordinate this support.
**A Message from Chris (received November 12, 2025):** “Hey Pavel, I just wanted to thank you so much for starting this GoFundMe. My wife and I feel so blessed… I’m deeply grateful for the support my colleagues have extended to us.” — Christopher Franklin
**Beneficiary**: Christopher Franklin (verified via bank transfer).
**Fund Delivery**: 100% of donations transfer directly to Chris’s personal bank account via GoFundMe’s secure system (2–5 business days). I will coordinate with Chris or his family to cover verified expenses: funeral, ICU/rehab, travel, and lost wages.
**Transparency**: No funds used elsewhere. Excess, if any, will support a trust for the children.
To every donor, sharer, and encourager: your generosity echoes the help I once received. Together, we’re lifting the Franklins—one bill, one prayer, one step at a time.
Thank you for making this possible.
— Pavel Zvonov, GO Train Engineer, a Friend & Colleague