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The outpouring of support follows the death of Eastchester Union Free School District teacher Arlene O’Neill, age 47, who was killed in a shooting at her Yonkers home on Chittenden Avenue on Wednesday morning, Oct. 16.
According to police, O’Neill, a fifth-grade teacher at the Anne Hutchinson School, was fatally shot by her husband, retired New York City Police Department officer Sean O’Neill, age 54. He then turned the gun on himself, authorities said, also adding that the couple's three children, Sean, age 15, Brendan, age 13, and Nolan, age 11, were home at the time.
Now, in the days since the tragedy, popular digital media company Barstool Sports is raising funds to support O’Neill's children by selling t-shirts. All of the proceeds will go toward the family, according to Barstool Sports presenter Kevin Clancy, a Westchester native who heard about the incident and wanted to help.
"She sounded like a great person and a great mom and unbelievable teacher and friend," Clancy said in a video posted to Instagram on Friday, Oct. 18, in which he also announced the fundraiser.
A day later, Clancy also posted another video urging people to pitch in, as the effort had only collected $10,000 as of Saturday, Oct. 19.
"Arlene O’Neill isn't a cop or firefighter, so it doesn't get attention," Clancy said.
The t-shirt fundraiser isn't the only effort collecting donations for O’Neill's children, though; a GoFundMe page created by her close friend, Marie Milio, raised a whopping $682,000 as of Monday, Oct. 21, almost reaching the goal of $750,000.
"Your continued support and prayers will play a critical role as the family navigates what the days, weeks, and months ahead will look like for Sean, Brendan, and Nolan," Milio said in an update on Saturday, adding, "Their main priority is being together and creating as much stability for the boys as possible; your understanding and respect of their privacy is greatly appreciated."
Milio also added that she would be able to ensure that the boys receive all the funds.
Those who wish to donate can do so by clicking here. Additionally, those wishing to buy t-shirts from Barstool Sports in support of the family can click here to do so.
According to Barstool Sports, O’Neill was a teacher for 25 years and came from a family dedicated to serving others; her brother and nephew are members of the Yonkers Fire Department, and she also has cousins in the Yonkers Police Department.
Her brother and sister-in-law were also in the New York City Police Department, Clancy said.
In a statement given after her death, the Eastchester school board called O'Neill "an exceptional teacher" and "a cherished member of our community who touched the lives of countless students and colleagues."
"We will all miss Arlene very much and will spend many difficult moments grieving her loss," the school board continued.
No further information about the murder-suicide has yet been released.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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