‘Takes a village’: Bald Eagle Area students raise money for West Branch student killed in fire

Following last month’s death of a West Branch Area student, Bald Eagle Area students raised $960 this week to help a family facing the impossible.

A Morris Township house fire claimed the life of 17-year-old Asher Deets after crews responded to a call of fire and entrapment around 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 27. Within minutes of crews arriving, the fire was fully involved — completely destroying the home, according to the Altoona Mirror.

After learning about the fire through Facebook posts and GofundMe links, Bald Eagle Area senior Taylor Hall knew she had to find a way to help his family.

“I was reading on Facebook about what happened, and it just absolutely broke my heart,” Hall said. “I know he had a girlfriend, I know he had family and classmates and friends, and I just cannot imagine that happening to me. So I thought I wanted to take it upon myself to help this family get necessities.”

Hall wanted to host a schoolwide fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and rebuilding costs for the Deets family. After contacting the administration, she was able to organize “Hats on for Asher Deets,” where BEA students could choose to wear hats throughout the school day in return for a donation. Hall said all funds raised will go to the family’s GoFundMe page.

In a post on the West Branch Area School District Facebook, superintendent Mark Mitchell said Deets was a valued member of the community known for his positive attitude and friendliness.

“His absence will be profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Mitchell wrote. “The loss of such a bright and promising young individual is an immense tragedy that has left a void in our hearts.”

Hall said she felt it was not only part of her responsibility as 2023’s Miss BEA but also as a fellow senior student to organize the fundraiser.

“Anything in life takes a village,” Hall said. “So I think if we all step together — if other schools step together, we can all help this family and help them with rebuilding costs and necessities right now.”