Viewer donations help pay for diver's gravestone
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BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash. -- There's still no answer on exactly how state scuba diver David Scheinost drowned.
While his mother patiently waits for those answers, KOMO viewers have let her know they care by donating money to help pay for the burial she said her son deserves.
"It's been one month today -- today's August 24th," said Scheinost's mother Ginny Sizemore. "So my son's been gone for a month and most people already have their loved ones buried, and have the marker already."
Sizemore does not.
Her son, a state employee, died while scuba diving as he was gathering samples of geoduck with two other state divers last month. The state won't pay out his death benefits until the investigation into his death is complete.
"A couple of days ago, the people doing the investigation on David, they are ordering his medical records right now from his doctor," Sizemore said. "For me, I want closure. Seeing him in a box doesn't help."
Even when those benefits come through, it won't cover all of the family's expenses following Scheinost's death.
Sizemore selected a plot at Greenwood Cemetery where other family members are buried. Add in the cost for his cremation, urn, funeral service, headstone and more and the bills are about $5,000 beyond the state's benefits.
Our viewers who saw the story were definitely touched. You donated $800 for the Problem Solvers to give to Ginny.
"Tells me that people really care because if they didn't care they would not have donated any money so it means a lot to me," Sizemore said. Even more meaningful is the comfort knowing that this money will help give David a proper headstone at the cemetery.
Ginny said she's very grateful for everyone who made a contribution. She said Ivar's Seafood Restaurants also donated $500.
While his mother patiently waits for those answers, KOMO viewers have let her know they care by donating money to help pay for the burial she said her son deserves.
"It's been one month today -- today's August 24th," said Scheinost's mother Ginny Sizemore. "So my son's been gone for a month and most people already have their loved ones buried, and have the marker already."
Sizemore does not.
Her son, a state employee, died while scuba diving as he was gathering samples of geoduck with two other state divers last month. The state won't pay out his death benefits until the investigation into his death is complete.
"A couple of days ago, the people doing the investigation on David, they are ordering his medical records right now from his doctor," Sizemore said. "For me, I want closure. Seeing him in a box doesn't help."
Even when those benefits come through, it won't cover all of the family's expenses following Scheinost's death.
Sizemore selected a plot at Greenwood Cemetery where other family members are buried. Add in the cost for his cremation, urn, funeral service, headstone and more and the bills are about $5,000 beyond the state's benefits.
Our viewers who saw the story were definitely touched. You donated $800 for the Problem Solvers to give to Ginny.
"Tells me that people really care because if they didn't care they would not have donated any money so it means a lot to me," Sizemore said. Even more meaningful is the comfort knowing that this money will help give David a proper headstone at the cemetery.
Ginny said she's very grateful for everyone who made a contribution. She said Ivar's Seafood Restaurants also donated $500.
The state couldn't spare $1,000 for a man who died on the job? Sad. Sad indeed.Â
That's really cool. Â I cannot imagine the grief of this woman, it's good she feels the kindness of strangers and friends alike. Â
Is there a way people can still donate??
 @Beverly Santarelli Scheinost's family is asking the diving community and others to help them out financially. You can help by donating to David via our Problem Solvers Fund. Just be sure to note your donation is for David Scheinost.
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Problem Solvers Fund link is https://paytrace.com/cart/donate.pay?ID=1528&MID=27250021602801&PID=Donation
Totally cool of Ivar's to donate too. My sympathies to Ms Sizemore, & the rest of the family & friends of this young man. Hopefully the answers will be found soon & you can lay your son to rest properly.