Family and friends are coping with the unexpected drowning of their loved one Chris Shepherd, or 'Shep'. He leaves behind two sons. His co-workers had a fundraiser Thursday to help the family.
Chris Bourne owns Capital Pizza. He said he was overwhelmed by the support.
"We have never delivered a pizza in our life," he said. We had 45 pizzas to deliver the 15 minutes after we opened the door. This has been by far the most overwhelming response. We have so many people reaching out for help."
Shepherd drowned while vacationing in Cancun. A strong wave reportedly carried the 36-year-old away from the shoreline near the hotel where the family was staying. He was pulled from the water, and died later at a hospital.
Sipa Mayfield worked with Shepherd for about 12 years.
"We are hoping it is a bad nightmare, but obviously it is not," she said. I know in my heart that he is with his dad, and that is something that was always empty in his heart--when he lost his dad. So, I have no doubt in my mind where Shep is, or where is soul is, and I'm at peace with that."
About 25-percent of all the proceeds will go towards the family. Shep's death is also an important reminder for everyone.
"We live such busy lives that all our friends our family members we don't see them everyday, or we don't pick up the phone, and you don't tell them you love them. And, so with this it's a reminder to us in our work family to check on everyone," Mayfield said.
