On Sunday, July 26, tragedy struck at Bite of Seattle when a mass shooting claimed the life of Ashley Whitehead, a lover of life, art and family. Ashley was waiting in line for cotton candy, enjoying the festival with her daughter, Zoie, and future son-in-law, Ben, when the violence began. She was shot and, despite surviving long enough to exchange heartfelt 'I love you's with her eldest daughter, passed away during surgery at Harborview. Family was everything to Ashley—she had recently moved to the west coast from Alabama to be closer to Zoie, while her younger daughter, Celeste, currently lives in Virginia.

This is the second time tragedy has struck Zoie. In 2018, she lost her partner of seven years, my brother Michael, to heart failure. I’ve always referred to Zoie as my sister-in-law, and my kids call her Aunt Zoie. Zoie will be the sole benefactor of any funds donated, and will use the funds to support herself and her family as needed in the coming months. Donations to this fundraiser will help cover bereavement services, living expenses (as Ashley contributed to the household), and support Zoie and Ben as they cope with the trauma of surviving such a horrific event.

We are reaching out to the community for help. Any support you can offer—whether through donations or sharing this fundraiser—will make a meaningful difference for Zoie and Ben as they navigate the aftermath of Ashley’s passing and the trauma of the mass shooting. Thank you for standing with them during this heartbreaking time.