Fundraisers Spring Up For Baby Of Crash Victim Sully Sanchez

Three days after Sullynette Sanchez was rear-ended in a Route 4 accident that ended her life and prompted the emergency delivery of her baby, there is little new information on the actual crash, but at least three fundraisers have already been established to benefit the baby, the baby's father, and to help cover funeral costs for Sanchez.

The three-car accident took place around 4 p.m. Friday on Route 4 in East Greenwich near the North Kingstown line. According to State Police on Monday, the accident was triggered by a 2011 Ford Edge that rear-ended the car driven by Sanchez (a 2006 Rav4). Sanchez's car then proceeded to rear-end a third car, a 2000 Chevy van.

"We believe that he may have been distracted," said State Police Capt. Frank Castellone about the driver of the Ford Edge. "It's still being investigated."

Sanchez, who was seven months pregnant, was taken to Kent Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her son, Daryel Noah, was born at Kent and transferred to the intensive care unit at Women & Infants. According to reports, he is breathing on his own.

Friend Carissa Calise learned of Sanchez's death and decided to establish a fundraiser to help pay for her funeral as well as help with medical costs for the baby. The fundraiser, called "Sullynette and Baby Sanchez," uses ChipIn, an online fundraising service.

The money collected will be given to Sanchez's sister, Suzette Sanchez.

Another online fundraiser has been established by Pantera Ondas, a friend who wants to help the baby and the baby's father, Steve Bustamante. Ondas and Sanchez were students together at URI and continued as friends through their study of the Brazilian martial art Capoeira.

"I believe anyone who knew Sullynette would tell you no one else has her smile or ability to bring a sense of joy to your day," Ondas said via email. "A bright light that touched the hearts of many has truly been turned off, and I'm only grateful to be given a angel to lighten up the way for us as we are there for her family in the times to come."

In addition, a martial arts demonstration at Studio 360 in East Providence, is set for 6:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 2, according to the Providence Journal. Everyone will be wearing white and a collection will be taken up for Sully's family.

WPRI posted a story Tuesday that includes friends' remembrances of Sanchez.