Donations have been pouring in for the family of a San Luis Obispo woman who died following a crash near Goleta last week.
Allyson Buist, 35, leaves behind a husband and 4-month-old baby boy.
All were involved in the Sept. 10 crash on Highway 101 near Las Varas Canyon Road.
The California Highway Patrol says a driver heading the opposite direction attempted to make a U-turn and the two vehicles collided.
Buist, her husband, Austin, who was driving, their baby, Maverick, and a passenger in the other truck were all hospitalized. Buist died from her injuries five days after the crash, CHP officers announced Tuesday.
The family was heading to a baseball game in San Diego when the crash happened.
By Wednesday afternoon, a Gofundme campaign had brought in more than $28,000 in donations, well over the initial $10,000 goal set when the page was created less than 24 hours earlier.
Friends say the campaign was set up to help Austin Buist with expenses now and in the coming months.
“There are no words for the loss we are feeling today. Allyson was a light and a force in so many lives. She was a loving daughter, amazing big sister, devoted friend,” according to a post on the crowdfunding page, which goes on to say, “First and foremost, she was a wife and mother. Austin and baby Mav have suffered an unimaginable loss. The pain of losing Allyson will never fully heal and there is a long road ahead. As Ally's family and friends, we all hope to be sources of unconditional and ongoing love, support and courage.”
Austin Buist reportedly works for Caltrans. Friends say Allyson attended Cal Poly and worked in the wine industry in Paso Robles and that the two were high school sweethearts.
Friends of the family say donations in any amount are appreciated for the family, but aside from just money, donations of another kind are also being requested.
Since Maverick was breastfed, the family has been turning to breast milk donations to help feed him. Friends say many mothers have been donating since the crash, but the need is ongoing.
A Donor Breast Milk Drive is planned for Saturday, Oct. 12 from 1-3 p.m. at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo.
Friends ask that while the drive is not specifically for the Buist family, that donations be made that day in honor of Allyson and to help care for her son.
Austin Buist is reportedly now home with the baby and both are recovering from injuries sustained in the crash.
