A fundraiser to bring a County Durham man killed in a Florida hit-and-run home to his family has raised more than £10,000.
Brandon Grimes, 26, from Seaham, was tragically killed in the early hours of Friday, September 25, while on holiday in Florida.
His family has raised £10,004 (at the time of writing) towards a £16,000 target through a GoFundMe appeal set up by his partner, David Jackson.
Brandon Grimes, 26, from Seaham was killed in a suspected hit-and-run while on holiday in Florida (Image: FAMILY)
The appeal says the family is facing the "overwhelming challenge" of bringing Brandon home to England after his death.
Describing Brandon as a "gentle, bright, funny, and wonderful soul", the fundraiser says he was "truly the life and soul of the party".
It adds: "Our family is completely devastated, and the pain of losing him this way is something no family should ever have to bear."
Brandon was a grassroots football referee who was “deeply loved by us all”, his family said.
The fundraiser says Brandon died after a hit-and-run in which the driver fled the scene.
It adds: "We are not only trying to process the agonizing grief of losing our amazing boy, but we are also facing the overwhelming challenge of getting him the justice he deserves and bringing him back to his home here in England where he belongs."
The appeal has been launched to help cover the costs of bringing Brandon back to Seaham.
Brandon Grimes, 26, was described as 'funny, caring and generous' and the 'life and soul of the party' (Image: FAMILY)
It says: "The financial costs of bringing someone home across distances can be overwhelming, and we want to ensure our Brandon gets the journey home he deserves."
The family has set a target of £16,000 and is asking people to donate or share the appeal.
It says: "If you are in a position to donate, no matter how small, we are endlessly grateful."
The fundraiser adds: "If you cannot donate, simply sharing this page, keeping Brandon in your thoughts and prayers, and helping us fight for him means more to us than words can say."
His partner David said: “He was on holiday in Florida with a friend, so we are struggling to get information from the US, which is holding things up for us.
“We believe it could cost anywhere between £13,000 and £15,000, or even more, so we want to raise as much as we can because we need him home.
"I know all the family just want him here.
"I can’t face the thought of him being out there on his own. I may have to go over myself if it takes much longer.”
Brandon's former employer Workwear Express donated £1,000 to the appeal.
The fundraiser says: "Thank you for your love, support, and understanding as we navigate this unbearable heartbreak."
Brandon Grimes was a grassroots referee for the Durham County Football Association on the weekends (Image: FAMILY)
Brandon also refereed grassroots football at weekends, prompting tributes from hundreds across County Durham and the wider North East.
Durham County Football Association CEO John Topping said: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of one of our referees Brandon Grimes.
"Brandon was an up and coming referee and regularly officiated in matches throughout the grassroots game, he will be a big miss to the game and especially to the referee fraternity.
"Our thoughts at this sad time are with all his family and friends."
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Florida Highway Patrol said Brandon was trying to cross US192 on International Drive in Kissimmee, about 20 miles south of Orlando, when he was struck by a westbound vehicle.
Investigators found car parts at the scene and believe the vehicle may have been a silver 2007 to 2010 Ford Edge with a black roof and damage to its right headlight and bonnet.
The Northern Echo has contacted Florida Highway Patrol for a statement.