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NFL Star Helps Raise Money For 10-Yr-Old Hudson River Murder-Suicide Survivor
By
Jen Chung
Published May 1, 2011
Modified May 1, 2011
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By
Jen Chung
Published May 1, 2011
Modified May 1, 2011
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The young boy who escaped a sinking minivan that his mother drove into the Hudson River, drowning herself and his three siblings, received a help hand from the United Athletes Foundation, which held a fundraiser for 10-year-old Lashaun Armstrong. Over $20,000 was raised for him, and the little boy said, "I'm sad because I'm going through a tough time right now. I'm pulling through."
Baltimore Ravens star Ray Lewis and former cornerback Reggie Howard were on hand to lend support, and Lewis, who contacted the boy after hearing about the tragedy, told the Post, "This is a hard situation and he is forever changed... We are not going to let him do it alone, we are going to be here for him forever." On April 12, Lashanda Armstrong drove her car, which had Lashaun and 5-year-old Landen Pierre, 2-year-old Lance Pierre and 11-month-old Lanaina Pierre inside, into the Hudson near Newburgh, NY. Lashaun was able to get out of the car and swim to shore, where a Good Samaritan drove him to a fire house.
It's unclear why Lashanda Armstrong killed herself, but friends and family suggest trouble with boyfriend Jean Pierre may have been part of the problem. Lashaun, who did not his siblings' funeral, also said, "I like to thank the UAF for fund-raising this money for my family and I'd like to thank Ray and Reggie for being there for meand taking care of me when I need help." The UAF is reportedly giving him a scholarship.
Tagged
fundraiser
hudson river
jean pierre
lashanda armstrong
lashaun armstrong
murder-suicide
tragedy
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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