SXSW Fatal Crash Affects Locals; Here's How to Help

The recent tragedy at Austin's SXSW music festival has hit close to home. After a 21-year-old drunk driver plowed through a crowd of concert-goers outside of Mohawk on March 13, the Texan community at large has been deeply affected and moved by the senseless injuries and loss of life. Mark's American Cuisine's young pastry chef Gracie Nguyen, who is also a student at the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, was injured in the crash and needs help covering her medical expenses. She remains at the University Medical Center Brackenridge in Austin with skull and leg fractures. Her friends and family are optimistic about her prognosis and are asking locals to contribute what they can to her fundraising page here.

As for former Swamplot writer Allyn West, his sister-in-law was killed in the wreck, and her husband, Evan West is still hospitalized for injuries sustained during that crash. Thankfully, it appears that Evan will make a full recovery. (Update: Here's a link where you can help them cover burial and medical expenses directly.)

Help out those who were directly affected by the crash here, at the SXSW Cares Fund.
Memorial erected outside of Mohawk in Austin [Photo: Allyn West]