Over $100,000 has been raised for the family of Marvel star Taraja Ramsess, who tragically died alongside three of his children after a horrific car accident.
The 41-year-old stuntman, his 13-year-old daughter Sundari Ramsess, 10-year-old son Kisasi Ramsess, and newborn daughter Fugibo Ramsess, all lost their lives after crashing into a tractor-trailer that had broken down near an exit in Georgia, on October 31.
Taraja, Sundari, and Fugibo were all pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, his 10-year-old son, Kisasi, was rushed to a hospital and put on life support but sadly passed away days later, his family announced.
A three-year-old girl was also in the vehicle and taken to the hospital in critical condition.
The late stuntman was known for his work in the film industry, most prominently performing stunts in Marvel's Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, according to IMDB.
He also featured in other flicks such as DC's The Suicide Squad, Atlanta, and Creed III, and worked in the art department on projects including The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Walking Dead, and The Vampire Diaries.
Taraja was part of the crew at filmmaker Ava DuVernay’s distribution company ARRAY. DuVernay honored him in a touching tribute post on Instagram, writing: "I remember one day on set, we didn’t have enough Black background actors for a key scene. I had to recruit my crew members to be on-camera. Taraja was the first to say yes."
"Yes, I’ll do my real job and then jump into this wild scene playing a tough guy with a gun for you. From there - everyone else said yes too. He was that kind of person. A leader. A light," she wrote. "Taraja. His name is like music. We will continue to sing it."
"Bless his soul. Bless his memory. Bless his loved ones and the many comrades he leaves here as he journeys on," DuVernay concluded.
Taraja's mother, Akili Ramsess, confirmed the death of her beloved son and grandchildren in a heartbreaking post.
She went on to share that two of the stuntman's daughters survived, with his three-year-old being hospitalized, and that his 10-year-old son Kisasi was on life support, but later posted that he had died as well.
"All who knew and met him know how special Taraja was. He had a deep capacity for love and loved his children more than all. He loved his martial arts, motorcycles, and all things related to filmmaking," Akili penned. "He [had] a very droll yet wicked sense of humor & yet could be as cornball corny as can be.
"Sundari, Sunny as she was called, also reflected that special light. Funny & loved to dance," she continued. "Oh God! I can't believe they're gone! We are grieving and remain prayerful for my grandchildren's recovery. Thank you to so many who have already reached out with kind words and prayers."
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Ramsess's grieving family, and as of the time of writing, it has raised $105,780 of the $150,000 target.
"Akili Ramsess, a dear friend and colleague to so many, lost her eldest son, the beautiful and talented Taraja, and three of her grandchildren – Taraja’s 13-year-old daughter Sundari and eight-week-old daughter, and 10-year-old son Kisasi - in a horrific traffic accident on Oct. 31," a message posted on the fundraising page reads.
"We are not sure what her immediate needs are, but we know there will be many. Anyone who knows Akili knows that her greatest joys are her three boys and 10 grandchildren. Her love and devotion to her family knows no limits," it continued. "I know you share our feelings that this devastating loss is unfathomable, and we are just trying to take a first step in helping Akili down the very long road ahead."
You send your donations to the Ramsess family here.
Our thoughts continue to be with his family and friends at this devastating time.
