Pennsylvania Woman Accused Of Using Crash Victim Cousin’s GoFundMe For Cruise
Families often turn to GoFundMe in times of tragedy and need, often to help raise funds for medical and legal fees. Often, doing so also helps bring attention and awareness to their stories. However, one woman has been accused of using funds raised by the platform, on behalf of her cousin following an accident, for her own gain: a cruise.
The Crash Victim’s Family Denied That Any Funds Were Distributed On His Behalf
A man in Pennsylvania found himself seriously hurt following a motorcycle crash. According to reports, he was unable to take care of himself.
A woman, Vanessa Lewis, said to be the man’s cousin, took to GoFundMe to help raise funds for the man. However, family members became suspicious of the action in time.
According to ABC affiliate WTAE, the man’s parents first grew suspicious after they saw photos of Vanessa on a cruise. They later told police they didn’t believe she would be able to fund the cruise trip herself.
Police soon reviewed Lewis’ bank records. They soon discovered that over $37,000 was transferred from the account. By August 2024, the account had over $40,000. On March 24, records showed it was reduced to slightly over $3,000.
Checking the transactions, it was noted that $6,200 was used for Carnival Parade in Miami. A wire transfer of over $21,000 was also made to a different account.
If Convicted, The Suspect Could Face Seven Years In Prison
The family has also claimed that no funds were ever distributed for the motorcycle incident victim’s care. They have expressed hope that recovered funds could be used to install home modifications for him. At this time, Lewis faces charges of theft by deception and receiving stolen property.
Following the alleged incident, GoFundMe also shared a statement with the outlet. It read, “GoFundMe has zero tolerance for the misuse of our platform and works closely with law enforcement to investigate those accused of wrongdoing.”
“While the overwhelming majority of people use our platform every day to help others, we are aware that bad actors do exist and take swift action against those who exploit the generosity of our community. In this instance, the fundraiser was removed from the platform, and the organizer banned.”
According to Cruise Hive, she has since been released on $10,000 bail. Lewis’ first hearing is set for September 16, 2025. By Pennsylvania law, if found guilty, Lewis could have up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
The publication also noted that, while media outlets reported that the cruise was “Carnival Parade,” they suggested it could have been Carnival Paradise. “Then-Miami-based ships like Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Magic, Carnival Conquest, or Carnival Celebration” were also suggested.
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