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New Haven County resident Nick Donofrio, age 20, of Madison, was found dead having suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body, on the front porch of a home in Columbia, South Carolina on the 500 block of South Holly Street around 2 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, the city's police department said.
Police said Donofrio lived on the same street and mistakenly tried to enter the wrong house when he was shot.
Since his death, his family has asked friends and others to donate in order to create scholarships in his name to the University of South Carolina where he was a student, and Daniel Hand High School in Madison, where he graduated, said a GoFundMe.
Organized by members of his fraternity, Phi Kappa Sigma, the fund has raised more than $70,000 since its inception.
Fund organizer, Will Graves, said: "Nick was fun, charismatic, energetic, and a true man of honor. While his time with us was short, he made a significant difference in the lives of all of us and everyone he knew."
Donofrio was a sophomore at the college majoring in kinesiology and exercise science since transferring to the school last year from the University of New England.
"Nick will be forever remembered within our fraternity and his home community," the fundraiser said. "His presence will be missed by so many."
The shooting incident is still under investigation, according to Columbia Police.
To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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