According to recent reports, a Texas family is believed to be dead after their boat capsized off the coast of Homer, Alaska, during a vacation. David and Mary Maynard, along with their two sons from Troy, Texas, remain missing after their 28-foot aluminum boat carrying eight people capsized last weekend about 16 miles off the coast.
However, the United States Coast Guard has called off the search for the family after 24 hours had passed without any signs of finding them. “The decision to suspend a search is never easy and involves the careful consideration of many factors including environmental conditions and search operations,” according to a USCG spokesperson.
Subsequently, a GoFundMe was organized in the aftermath of the tragic accident titled “Community Support for the Maynards.” The fundraiser has exceeded its goal of $15,000, bringing in over $19,000 from a couple hundred donations. The Maynards were described as beloved members of the community who are dearly missed.
“The Maynards are not just friends, they are family to me and a lot of others. By now, a lot of us have heard about the tragic news. For those who don’t know, this sweet family of four was lost at sea on their vacation to Alaska. Mary’s parents are still there hoping to bring them home. This family is going through a lot right now. We are asking for prayers and donations if you can, to help with unexpected expenses that the family would have to cover so suddenly,” the description read.
The GoFundMe continued, “The Maynard’s left a huge imprint on many people, from the laughter they brought to us, the love and family-oriented connection they provided, It is indescribable the void that will be left behind but I know if we come together as a family and a community they would know how much they meant to everyone.”
An update posted by the organizer expressed that faith in God is all that can be relied upon at this point. “Many have asked for an update, at this time the family asks for nothing but the word of prayer and privacy. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalms 20:7,” the message read.
Another friend of the Maynards
wrote on Facebook after the accident, “I kindly ask for prayers from everyone possible. Mary, her husband and 2 sons were lost at sea last night in Alaska after their vessel capsized. There were originally 8 boaters, 4 rescued. Mary, David and their babies have not been found. They have air searches as well as boaters to try to bring them home. This is tragic. During this time if we could all come together to pray for the best possible outcome, it would be greatly appreciated.”
The Facebook post concluded, “While we may not have been best friends, we just knew each other through sports and our kiddos, I think I can vouch for many that they were a wonderful, caring and loving family that deserves to be brought home. As her mother stated, prayers are all we have.”
Featured image credit: GoFundMe
