Funds set up to assist local family following accident

     Following the passing of Donald Hunter, 6 years old (second grade), and Diamond Hunter, 8 years old (third grade), both of Monticello, a local fundraising account has been set up at Citizens State Bank.

     On Dec. 18, the Hunter family was involved in an accident on 215^th Avenue and Highway 151 near Anamosa. The father, Brandon Hunter, slid through a stop sign on 215^th Avenue as a semi was traveling south on the highway. The two vehicles collided.

     Brandon, 32, was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. His wife, Molli Hunter, 31, and their 13-year-old daughter Hope (eighth grade) were transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

     Immediately following the accident, Troy Sauter, business manager for the local Iron Workers 89 in Cedar Rapids, started a Go Fund Me page. (Brandon Hunter was an ironworker as well.) This allowed people to go online and donate any dollar amount toward the Hunter family to help with medical expenses. As of now, Brandon, Molli and Hope all remain in Iowa City. Sauter reported on Dec. 22 that Brandon and Hope might be released from the hospital before Christmas.

     “They both have some injuries that will take some time to heal, but they are getting better,” said Sauter. “Molli has some severe facial injuries.”

     He said she had her first of many surgeries on Dec. 20, with another surgery scheduled for some time in January.

     “Molli will have a long road to recovery,” added Sauter.

     As of now, the funerals for Donald and Diamond are on hold.

     When Sauter established the Go Fund Me page for the Hunters, he set a goal of $50,000. In just two days, 716 people have generously donated $41,615.

     “I cannot begin to properly express the amazing outpouring of support from this community and beyond,” said Sauter. “From the union brothers and sisters to total strangers, the donations, phone calls, texts, Facebook messages have all been heard and appreciated. I know I can speak on behalf of the family when I say we will never be able to thank you all enough for this level of support.”

     Aside from Go Fun Me, Carol Lorenzen, Brandon’s aunt, also set up an account to donate to at Monticello’s Citizens State Bank. This account will help the Hunter family with funeral costs, healthcare costs, and living costs that they will endure for quite some time.