Springfield community rallies at VFW fish fry to support family after double fatal crash

A devastating car crash took the lives of 44-year-old Angela Brown and her 15-year-old son, Jason Daff, Monday night, leaving her 12-year-old son, Jayden Daff, hospitalized. As the family navigates this unimaginable loss, the Springfield community is stepping up to help.

The VFW Post 2799 hosted a fish fry fundraiser in support of the family. Hundreds of community members packed the hall, eager to donate and show their support.

VFW Post 2799 Commander David Blakeman said the post wanted to do whatever it could to help. He emphasized that supporting the local community is an important part of their mission and that this event was a way to give back in a time of great need.

The overwhelming turnout exceeded expectations, with volunteers working non-stop to serve fish dinners to attendees. All proceeds from this event—and every Friday fish fry through Lent—will go directly to the family.

VFW manager Toni Weber said the support has been incredible, estimating that at least $4,000 had been raised before the night was even over. She noted that the number would likely climb as more donations came in.

Among those helping were students from Springfield Local High School, where Jason and Jayden were students. Many of them volunteered to help with the fundraiser, hoping to make a difference.

Brody Sanders, a junior at Springfield Local, said the situation has been heartbreaking, and helping with the event was the least he could do. He shared how meaningful it was to be able to give back to a family that has been part of their school community.

VFW Post 2799 will continue hosting fish fry fundraisers every Friday through Lent, ensuring that support for the family doesn’t stop after just one night.