Community Raises Over $23K For Family Of Business Owner Killed

LINDENHURST, NY — The local community came together to raise over $23,000 in just two days for the family of a Lindenhurst business owner who was killed in his store last week.

On May 19, a family member of Kinshuk Patel, the owner of Dapper Smoke Shop at 411 40th Street, couldn't reach him and called 911, Suffolk police said. Officers found him injured inside the shop.

He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip, where he was pronounced dead.

The 33-year-old Babylon resident left behind his wife and two children, ages 4 years and 5 months.

On Sunday, Ruchika Patel, of Lindenhurst, started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise a total of $75,000 for the family.

"That evening, our community lost a great soul and kind-hearted person," she wrote on the page. "His family is devastated and shocked."

She went on the describe Kinshuk Patel as a "dedicated husband, an ideal father and a loving son."

As of Tuesday, the fundraiser has raised a total of $23,188, which will go towards the support of Patel's family and his children's education.

"In the memory of Kinshuk Patel, let's raise funds to stand in solidarity and support to his family," Ruchika wrote.

To read more or to donate, visit the GoFundMe page here.