A Van Zandt County community fundraiser has brought strangers together to support two families struck by tragedy within hours of one another in Texas.
On Saturday, residents gathered to raise money and offer practical help after Deputy Ahmed “Adam” Al’Sherifi was killed in the line of duty and Jasmine Henson, 27, and her four children died in a house fire near Canton.
Deputy Al’Sherifi was shot dead on Tuesday night while carrying out his duties with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. He was a husband and father of three, with his youngest child born only last month.
Several hours later, a fire swept through the Henson family home. Ms Henson and her four children were killed, with her oldest son only days away from his 11th birthday.
Van Zandt County community rallies behind grieving families
Ryan Hanson, who organised the fundraiser, said he had not known either family before the two tragedies. He said the events had nevertheless prompted him to consider how he would hope others would respond if his own family needed help.
He contacted friends, arranged a barbecue and helped bring people together to support both families. Attendees travelled from outside Van Zandt County to donate and show their solidarity.
“To see people take their time and come and donate and just show the families that, you know, they’re being supported, and they will be supported for much longer than just this,” volunteer Liz Weaver said.
She said the gathering offered people a way to give something back while helping one another cope with the shock and grief affecting the community.
Ms Henson’s father, who works as an investigator for the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, is mourning the loss of his daughter and four grandchildren. Despite his own grief, he took time to thank those trying to help his family.
“It’s devastating to them, and I know it is, and I know they’re hurting,” Mr Hanson said. “We’re all hurting, and that’s why we’re here. This eases our hurt a little bit.”
He said the identities of the families did not matter to those who had come to help.
“I didn’t know the families. I mean, myself personally, I don’t think it matters,” he said. “I mean, they’re humans. They’re hurting.”
The fundraiser could not undo the losses suffered by the two families, but it provided a visible show of support as relatives, colleagues and neighbours began facing the weeks and months ahead.
