UPDATE: Thousands Donated for Crystal Benton's Funeral Costs

Update, Nov. 21:

A separate fundraiser is underway to cover the funeral costs of Brittney Marie Ziegler, 21, of Pasadena and her three-year-old daughter, Lilly Renee Gross.

According to police, Ziegler and Gross were riding in the southbound lane of Marley Neck Boulevard when 30-year-old Joseph Allen Oliver Jr. of Glen Burnie attempted a northbound lane change, crossing the double yellow line in a no-passing zone.

The two vehicles collided head-on, fatally injuring all four occupants.

As of 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, the fundraiser on Ziegler and Gross's behalf had collected $6,176 of its $10,000 goal.

Update, 2:30 p.m.

Crystal Benton's family has now surpassed its original fundraising goal to cover her funeral expenses, raising some $5,800 from 83 contributors as of 2:30 p.m. Donations are still being accepted.

Update, 1:30 p.m.

As of early Tuesday afternoon, Crystal Benton's family was about $900 short of its $5,000 fundraising goal to cover her funeral expenses.

Original article

The family of an 18-year-old Laurel woman killed in a Glen Burnie car crash on Sunday is seeking donations to help cover funeral expenses.

Crystal Benton suffered fatal injuries when the vehicle she was riding in struck a second car on Marley Neck Boulevard, according to Anne Arundel County police.

Benton, a resident of the 3400 block of Sudlersville South in Maryland City, was pronounced dead at the scene along with three other victims, police said.

On Monday, Benton's family made an appeal through the website FundRazr for financial support, as "funeral expenses are unexpected and Crystal did not have a life insurance policy."

"The family is asking anyone and everyone for assistance in defraying the cost, no matter how small, to aid in the process of laying her to rest," Jennifer Benton Boxwell said in a message on the site.

"We know that the holiday season is here and it might be difficult, but helping the Benton family find peace and closure is a very kindhearted gesture that we would appreciate greatly," Boxwell wrote.

As of early Tuesday morning, 43 contributors had given some $1,800 to the cause—about 36 percent of the campaign's $5,000 goal.

"Please keep Crystal's family and friends in your thoughts and prayers as we continue to mourn her tragic passing," Boxwell added.

For more information, visit the The Crystal Benton Memorial Fundraiser page.