'You are a disgrace': Father of boys in Murray River tragedy slammed over $5000 crowdfunding page
A man claiming to be the father of two young boys who were allegedly dumped in the Murray River by their mother has been publicly ridiculed, after he tried to raise money for himself through a crowdfunding page.
The man, who’s name cannot be revealed for legal reasons, started a GoFundMe page, appealing for $5000 in donations so he could be with one son who is in a critical condition and farewell another who was tragically drowned.
The mother of the boys has been charged with attempted murder of her nine-year-old son, and murder of her five-year-old boy after his body was found by police divers near Moama on Saturday.
Woman now charged with murder + attempted murder. Accused of trying to drown two boys in Moama NSW last week. 5yo boy died, 9yo boy survived
— Blake Johnson (@BlakeJohnson) March 6, 2017
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform everyone that my young son’s body has been found,” the father of the boys has written on the GoFundMe page.
“I need to be there for my older son to support him at this time.”
Despite public accusations that the man was attempting to profit from the horrific circumstances, he reiterated that any funds raised would be used for travel.
Police believe the body is the five-year-old boy. Photo: 7 News.
Divers search for the boy in the Murray River before a body was found. Photo: AAP
“I am currently living in Queensland, and I am desperately wanting to get to my boys but sadly am not in a situation where I can afford to get to them.
“Any donations to help assist me in getting a flight down to my sons would be greatly appreciated with any funds left over going towards assisting my sons."
While the Brisbane man’s page has already raised more than $1000, a large percentage of the comments have ridiculed his request for donations after he previously admitted to News Corp that he had never met the youngest child and had not seen the other in almost six years.
“You are a disgrace as a father … that dear little boy needed a dad when he was alive,” one person wrote.
“You didn't bother about ever seeing your son in the time he was alive and now you need $5000 to go and say goodbye to him.”
Crews during the search for the little boy. Photo: AAP
“Sixteen hour drive mate, if you had left Friday, you’d be there already,” another wrote.
Further questions were also asked as to whether the man behind the page is actually the father to both children after police suggested the boys have two different fathers.
“How are you the father to both boys when its been proven that they have two different fathers?”
“You are not the father to both the boys and you apparently have never had contact with your son. You are trying to cash in on a tragedy.”
Meanwhile the grandparents of the boys are reportedly still struggling to come to terms with the horrific nature of the tragedy.
