GoFundMe for X-Men football player surpasses goal
A crowd-funding page to support a former St. F.X. football star who was killed earlier this week surpassed its $15,000 goal in one day.
Ashton Dickson, 25, was fatally shot Monday in Ottawa. He played running back at St. F.X. from 2011-15 and was nominated for the Hec Crighton Trophy, as the most outstanding player in Canadian university football in 2015.
A GoFundMe page to support Dickson’s family reached $16,950 as of Wednesday morning, just one day after being posted to the site.
“I am so moved by the support and unity of the community, family and friends that have been so generous and thoughtful,” wrote Donna DicksonWeekes, Ashton’s mother, on the post.
“On behalf of Ashton’s entire family, thank you.”
Dickson and his long-term girlfriend were expecting a child.
The money from the GoFundMe campaign will be used to alleviate any financial burden his family is experiencing, to support his unborn child, and to cover his funeral costs.
Dickson, an Ottawa native, dominated the Atlantic University Sport conference in every major rushing category with the X-Men in 2015, including 866 yards, 108.3 yards per game, 5.4 yards per carry, with five touchdowns on 160 carries.
“We are extremely saddened over the tragic death of alumnus Ashton Dickson, sincerest condolences extended to Ashton’s family and friends,” St. F.X. Athletics said in a tweet.