The mother of Tyre Nichols created a GoFundMe on Saturday to raise funds to help the family during their time of grieving with funeral expenses and other necessities.
RowVaugn Wells, Nichols’ mother, raised over $1.2 million and a goal of $1.4 million, which continues to increase.
Nichols died on Jan. 10 when five Memphis Police officers brutally beat him after pulling him over for allegedly driving recklessly on Jan. 7.
“…police claim that my son left the scene on foot,” Nichols’ mother wrote. “It turns out that he was just trying to get to my house for safety—which was only a few blocks away from where the incident happened. My baby was just trying to make it home to be safe in my arms.”
The 29-year-old was transported to a hospital, where he was placed on life support but died three days later.
“…I believe that my son died on January 7th, the moment those 5 Black Memphis Police officers pulled Tyre over and beat him to death for no good reason,” Wells said in the campaign’s description.
Wells described her son as “gentle, kind and joyful” and someone ‘you know when he comes through the door he wants to give you a hug.'” She said that Nichols loved skating and “wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“He had never been in trouble with the law, not even a parking ticket,” Wells continued. “He was an honest man, a wonderful son, and kind to everyone. He was quirky and true to himself, and his loss will be felt nationally.”
Wells informed donators that the funds would go toward their mental health services and “cover time off” from their nine-to-five jobs because they don’t have unlimited paid time off (PTO).
“Additionally, we want to build a memorial skate park for Tyre, in honor of his love for skating and sunsets,” Wells concluded.
