GoFundMe page set up in honor of Matthew Frank, aka SLOStringer

A GoFundMe page has been set up in honor of Matthew Frank, known to the community as SLOStringer.

Frank’s friend, Johnny Corona, created the page, but the San Luis Obispo County public safety community, in an effort spearheaded by the San Luis Obispo Fire Department, will be handling the creation of the memorial fund. The purpose of the fund has not been decided yet, but “its proceeds will be chosen by Matt’s family after they have had time to grieve their son’s passing,” according to the page’s description.

“At the appropriate time we will announce a plan for the memorial funds given in his name and to honor him,” read a statement from Frank’s parents included on the page.

“We know that you all had a special love for Matthew and for that we will always have a special place for you in our hearts,” the statement concluded.

As of Thursday morning, $7,275 of the $50,000 goal has been raised. Donations have ranged from $5 to $500, many coming from people who said they never met Frank in person, but appreciated what he did for the community.

Frank, 30, died in a car crash early Tuesday morning has he headed to a house fire in Atascadero. Frank spent much of his time racing out as the anonymous SLOStringer to capture breaking news across the Central Coast.

The news sent shock waves across Facebook and Twitter, where Frank received an outpouring of grief.

In hundreds of posts, supporters, public safety agencies, community leaders and journalists publicly mourned the death of the man who would run out at any time of the day or night to cover news, whether it be the arrest of a drunken driver in downtown San Luis Obispo or a horse running around on Highway 101.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the fund outside of the GoFundMe can contact Nick Hoover at 805-550-3319 or nphoover@gmail.com.

This story was originally published March 23, 2017 at 6:28 AM with the headline "GoFundMe page set up in honor of Matthew Frank, aka SLOStringer."