Friends of Dustin Skinner hold fundraiser for his family

About three weeks ago, Dustin Skinner was killed in an accident on Garret Way in Pocatello. Skinner died after he had a seizure while driving, causing his truck to hit the base of a concrete bridge.

On Sunday, friends and neighbor’s of Dustin held a fundraiser for his family at Duffy’s Tavern.

Duffy’s was packed with support for Dustin and his family. There were multiple tables with item after item up for auction. All of the auction items were donated by community members to help raise money. All of the money raised goes to Dustin’s family, especially his two kids. He leaves behind a fourteen year old and a six year old.

His family said seeing how many people came out to support them was amazing. It shows how much of a positive influence Dustin had on people.

“The kind of person he is, it just says it all right here,” said Connie Goodson, Dustin’s aunt. “I mean I can’t explain just exactly how proud I am of him.”

“Dustin was loved by lots, as you can see here tonight,” said Travis Skinner, Dustin’s brother. “We also had a standing room only funeral, so you can tell that he was blessed and loved by a lot of people.”

“It makes me very proud of my son because my son, it shows to me, that he had touched so many people’s lives with his heart and I am so grateful and so proud,” said Mary Gertsch, Dustin’s mom. “I’m a very proud mama.”

Gertsch said in the face of a tragic accident, the community support for the family has been incredible. She said she knows Dustin would be pleased at the help being given to his family, especially to his kids.

“I just know that Dustin’s watching down over all this and I know Dustin is very happy and proud and we’ll all miss him,” she said. “We’ll all miss him.”

A Go Fund Me page was also set up to help the family.