Fake funding page a scam
The grieving family of a “super mum” who died after trying to save her daughter have been targeted by scammers trying to raise money.
Mother of three Kelsi Wood died after rushing to save her daughter caught in a strong rip at Kaipara’s Baylys Beach on Thursday evening.
She died on Friday morning. Her daughter received minor injuries.
A Givealittle page was created in the wake of the tragedy to help cover funeral costs, with the remaining money to go towards the children’s future schooling needs.
But overnight, another fundraising page on a separate website popped up, appearing to do the same.
Wood’s mother, Susan Fowlie, said the Go Get Funding page is a hoax.
“I’m so disappointed and angry that people can disrespect and exploit such a tragedy,” she said.
“This has deeply hurt myself, my family and my late daughter’s friends. Her babies do not deserve this.”
The Go Get Funding page had an identical caption to the Givealittle page, underneath a picture of Kelsi and her surviving children.
Friends of Kelsi have warned others not to donate to the page.
“Sadly some small-minded, selfish people in the world have decided to take advantage of this tragic situation,” a friend wrote online.
Susan Fowlie said Wood gave her life rescuing her daughter from the sea. “I am so heartbroken. She leaves behind three beautiful children, family members, partner and friends . . . we are lost for words.”
Go Get Funding has been approached for comment.