‘Tragic loss’: $70.5K donated to support family after mother-of-six’s passing

This article has been updated to include a quote from the mother of Eliza Benterud.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — People from across BC and the Yukon have donated thousands of dollars to support a local father and his six children after the sudden passing of his wife.

According to an online fundraiser, Eliza Benterud, a mother of six with ties to the Yukon town of Watson Lake, passed away suddenly on February 5th, leaving behind her children and her husband Dustin.

They are based in Fort St. John, according to LinkedIn.

Matthew Wuthrich, the organizer of the fundraiser on behalf of the Benterud family and an operations supervisor with NorthRiver Midstream in Fort St. John, said Eliza was a loving wife and mother who cared deeply for her family, and her loss is “immeasurable”.

Many donors to the fundraiser have echoed similar sentiments. 

“I didn’t get the chance to know Eliza very well,” said one donor going by the name Priscilla, “but even the few encounters we had were enough to leave a lasting impact. My heart breaks for the tragic loss of such a beautiful mother, wife, daughter and friend.”

As of publication time, $70,449 has been donated to the campaign so far. The money will be used to “support Dustin as he cares for his young family”. 

In addition to friends and family members, some businesses have donated to the initiative as well, including a $5,000 donation from Charlie Lake-based Access Manufacturing.

Tracy Krauss, Eliza’s mother, says the support the family has received has been “overwhelmingly appreciated”.

“Support has come from more than just B.C. & the Yukon, but from all across Canada and even the [United States],” Krauss says.

“We are devastated. Crushed. But we cling to the belief that she is in paradise & that God is in control. Now we must be strong for her beautiful children, aged 7 [years] to 3 weeks old.”

To view the fundraiser or make a donation, click here. Energeticcity.ca has contacted relatives of the Bernterud family to learn more.