They are now urgently seeking financial assistance to facilitate the repatriation of their loved ones' bodies back to Zimbabwe for burial.

The fatal accident occurred on Saturday, July 11, 2025, claiming the lives of 23-year-old Eddmore Mafuwe and Anotida Kimberly Maziriri instantly. The pair were reportedly on their way to attend the first of two Canadian concerts for popular Zimbabwean musician Jah Prayzah's "Ndini Mukudzeyi World Tour" in Edmonton when the horrific crash took place.

Swift Community Response to GoFundMe Campaigns

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, both families quickly launched separate GoFundMe campaigns to raise the necessary funds for repatriation and funeral expenses. The response from the public has been remarkably swift and compassionate, with donations pouring in from around the world within hours of the campaigns going live.

Anotida Maziriri: A Beacon of Kindness Remembered

For Anotida Kimberly Maziriri, fundraising efforts are being spearheaded by Aisher Magomo. As of 5 PM Zimbabwe time yesterday, a remarkable 201 well-wishers had collectively contributed CAD $5,993. This represents approximately 40% of their initial goal of CAD $15,000.

Anotida Maziriri and Eddmore Mafuwe

In a deeply heartfelt family statement titled "In Loving Memory of Anotida," her loved ones shared their profound grief. They described Anotida as "a bright light in our lives—kind, loving, and deeply cherished," expressing how the sudden loss of such a vibrant daughter, sister, and friend had left their family devastated. The statement conveyed their hope that the fundraiser would help alleviate the financial burden of funeral costs and expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and kindness already received.

"We are heartbroken to share that our beloved daughter, sister, friend Anotida Kimbery Maziriri tragically passed away in a car accident on the night of July 11th 2025," read the statement. "Anotida was a bright light in our lives — kind, loving, and deeply cherished. This sudden loss has left our family devastated. We’re raising funds to help cover funeral costs and ease the financial burden during this difficult time. Any support is deeply appreciated. Thank you for your love, prayers, and kindness."

Eddmore Mafuwe: Bringing a Son and Student Home

Similarly, fundraising efforts for Eddmore Mafuwe are being coordinated by Tinashe Mazibiye. By the same time yesterday, 83 donors had generously contributed CAD $3,243, reaching 22% of their CAD $15,000 target.

Eddmore had pursued his academic aspirations in Canada, having moved there in 2022 to study engineering at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia. His family, based in Arlington Estate near Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Zimbabwe, released an emotional statement titled "Help Bring Eddmore Mafuwe Home to Zimbabwe."

They shared their deep sadness over their young son's sudden death, appealing for public assistance to ensure he could be laid to rest back in Zimbabwe with the dignity he deserved. The family emphasized that "Any contribution, big or small, will help us bring Eddmore home," extending their profound thanks for the support and prayers during their heartbreaking time.

"We are deeply saddened to share that Eddmore Mafuwe tragically passed away in a car accident on July 11," their statement read. "We are raising funds to return his body to Zimbabwe so his family can lay him to rest with dignity. Any contribution, big or small, will help us bring Eddmore home. Thank you for your support and prayers during this difficult time."

The Zimbabwean diaspora and the wider public are rallying to support these families in their time of immense grief, underscoring the strong community bonds that connect Zimbabweans globally.