Thousands given to victims
By Daily Press staff
More than three months after an elderly Santa Monica man drove through the farmer’s market, killing 10 and injuring 80 people, the local community has raised $183,000 for the victims.
The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce has collected and distributed $183,000 for the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market Victims Assistance Fund. The fund was created in July to assist victims and their families who lost a loved one or who were injured in the farmer’s market misfortune.
On July 16, Russell Weller, 86, drove his Buick LeSabre through the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market near the Third Street Promenade, causing one of the worst tragedies the community has experienced.
The California Highway Patrol, the leading investigative agency in the accident, has yet to Attorney’s Office, which will determine whether to file charges against Weller, who has remained secluded in his home north of Montana Avenue since the accident.
The fund has distributed money to the following: ■$5,000 each to 10 families of the deceased. ■$7,500 to 15 people seriously injured. ■$1,500 to 12 people moderately injured. ■Additional funds for others injured due to the tragedy.
“We are very grateful to all the individuals and groups that have contributed to this fund,” said Dr. Michael Gruning, chairman of the Chamber. “People opened their hearts and wallets with a tremendous community spirit of people coming together. We had people coming in with loose change to individuals donating $1,000 checks.”
The fund’s account will be dissolved by the end of October.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 27, 2003. Read the original PDF.