Close to Five years ago, the Dothage family was shattered by an unimaginable tragedy. We are sharing their story today to ask for support as they continue to navigate the devastating, long-term fallout from that day.

In an incident that is still painful to comprehend, both Scott and Laurie Dothage were suddenly and tragically taken from their family. This heartbreaking loss was made even more cruel as it occurred on what should have been a celebration—Laurie's birthday.

Scott and Laurie were the heart of their family. They left behind their four children—then just 26, 23, 20, and 17—and two very young grandchildren.

The emotional devastation was immediately followed by a financial one that they are still struggling to overcome. Scott and Laurie had no life insurance, no will, no trust, and no financial plans in place. Their children, while reeling from the shock and profound grief, were left to navigate a complex legal and financial crisis entirely on their own.

With no resources, no guidance, and minimal external support, the burden was overwhelming for a group of young adults, two of whom were just teenagers. The family was unable to manage the financial strain, and the home they grew up in was lost to foreclosure.

In the five years since, the children (now 31, 28, 25, and 22) have done their best to survive, facing these harder times largely alone. While one uncle generously handled the initial funeral arrangements and another helps with the youngest's phone bill, the children have been left to carry the immense weight of this loss by themselves.

This GoFundMe is being created five years later because the financial and emotional challenges do not simply end. The lack of any safety net at the time of the tragedy set off a domino effect of instability that they are still fighting to escape.

We are asking for your help to give them a chance for the new beginning they so desperately need and deserve. The funds raised will go directly to the Dothage children to help them secure stable footing, pay off debts incurred from this period, and finally create the breathing room to properly heal and build a future.

These are beautiful, resilient young adults who have endured more than anyone should. Any support you can offer, whether it's a donation or simply sharing this campaign, will make an immeasurable difference.

On behalf of the family, thank you for your compassion, your prayers, and your support. We are endlessly grateful for any blessing you can provide as they seek to find a path forward.