Community Raises Funds For Family Of Dead Soon-To-Be Father

APPLE VALLEY, MN — A GoFundMe was started for the family of Apple Valley resident Benjamin Garcia Lopez, who drowned July 1 on Lake Minnetonka.

According to the GoFundMe's description, Garcia Lopez, 26, was a soon-to-be father. His long-time girlfriend was due to give birth to the couple's daughter this week, the description said.

The GoFundMe was started by Garcia Lopez' older brother, Carlos Garcia. He wrote that the funds will be used for Garcia Lopez' funeral and supporting his family and unborn daughter.

According to his brother, Garcia Lopez loved nature and being outdoors and was a natural artist. He was excited to be a father, and loved his family and his girlfriend very much, Garcia wrote.

So far, over $15,000 has been raised for Garcia Lopez' family.

Editor's Note: Patch is a promotional partner of GoFundMe.