Family Seeks Donations to Return Man's Remains

A GoFundMe campaign aims to repatriate a construction worker killed by a Metrobus in Washington last October.

Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a single brick city facade on an empty avenue with a small distant bus silhouette, in deep red and cream. — The family of Adolfo Fernando Ruiz Morales is crowdfunding to return the construction worker's remains to Guatemala after a Metrobus struck him in Washington last October. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The family of Adolfo Fernando Ruiz Morales, 53, is raising funds to send his remains to Guatemala after he was struck by a Metrobus near Georgia Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue NW on Monday, October 5. He was rushed to a hospital with critical injuries and later died.

Why it matters

The campaign highlights the financial burden families can face in repatriating loved ones after a sudden death in the Washington area. Community ties to the Bruce-Monroe at Park View Elementary School neighborhood have helped mobilize support.

As of Sunday, November 1, the GoFundMe had raised $1,495 from 19 donors toward its $5,000 goal, roughly 30 percent of the target. The total cost of returning the remains to Guatemala was not disclosed in the campaign details.

The players

Adolfo Fernando Ruiz Morales

A 53-year-old construction worker who died after being struck by a Metrobus in Washington, DC.

Tomas Alejo

The individual who organized the GoFundMe fundraiser on behalf of Ruiz Morales' family.

The details

Tomas Alejo organized the GoFundMe in Ruiz Morales' memory to help cover the costs of returning his body to his home country. The collision occurred as a Metrobus struck the construction worker, and the circumstances beyond that impact were not described in the available facts.

Monday, October 5: A Metrobus struck Ruiz Morales near Georgia Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue NW.
Sunday, November 1: The GoFundMe had collected $1,495 from 19 donors.

Giving Context

Online crowdfunding through platforms such as GoFundMe has become a common way for families to cover funeral and repatriation costs after unexpected deaths. This campaign follows that pattern, relying on community donations to close a gap that the family cannot cover alone.

Residents who wish to help can contribute through the GoFundMe campaign to support the family's repatriation costs. Local neighbors connected to the Bruce-Monroe at Park View Elementary School community may be among those organizing additional assistance.

The takeaway

Small donations can meaningfully close funding gaps for families facing unexpected costs, so checking verified campaigns before giving helps ensure support reaches those who need it.