BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and his family have donated $10,000 to an online fundraiser supporting the family of Ricky Aspinwall, one of the victims of the recent Apalachee High School shooting.
Aspinwall, a beloved math teacher and assistant football coach, was one of four people killed in the tragedy. He is survived by his wife and two young daughters, and the community has rallied to help his family during this difficult time.
An NFL spokesman issued a statement expressing the league’s condolences and praising Aspinwall for his dedication to his students, players, and family.
"The NFL family is thinking of all the victims and the entire community during this unimaginable tragedy. As a husband, father, teacher, and coach, Coach A represented the best of America as a role model throughout his life, including his very last moment protecting others."
Aspinwall was one of four people killed in the shooting, along with fellow math teacher Cristina Irimie and 14-year-old students Christian Angulo and Mason Schermerhorn. Nine others were hospitalized with injuries, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
The suspect in the shooting, 14-year-old Colt Gray, an Apalachee High student, faces four counts of murder. According to the Barrow County District Attorney’s Office, additional charges are expected. Colt Gray’s father, 54-year-old Colin Gray, was also arrested and charged with four counts of involuntary manslaughter, two counts of second-degree murder, and eight counts of cruelty to children. Authorities believe Colin Gray gave his son the gun used in the shooting as a gift.
In the wake of the tragedy, GoFundMe has created a centralized page for verified fundraisers to support the families of the victims and survivors.
