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The funds will be directed to the daughter’s grandparents to ensure she receives necessary counseling and to help secure her future.
Emma MacDonald, 31, was found dead inside a room at Hotel UMass last week. Courtesy of GoFundMe
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UMass Amherst chef charged with wife’s murder in campus hotel room
Many are stepping up to support the young daughter of a woman who was killed last week at UMass Amherst, allegedly at the hands of her own husband.
A fundraiser has been launched to provide financial security and counseling for the 10-year-old daughter, Sadie.
Jeffrey MacDonald, 36, of Wilbraham appeared in Eastern Hampshire District Court Thursday morning, where he pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, 31-year-old Emma MacDonald.
Both Jeffrey and Emma MacDonald were employees at UMass Amherst, and Jeffrey was an award-winning chef at the university.
Police reported that while in custody, MacDonald admitted to intentionally killing his wife.
More than $19,000 has been raised for Emma MacDonald’s daughter, reaching approximately 70% of the fundraiser’s goal as of Wednesday. Created shortly after MacDonald’s death, the campaign states its purpose is to support those she cared about most.
A mother to 10-year-old Sadie, MacDonald also cared for two dachshunds, according to the campaign description. The funds will be directed to MacDonald’s parents to ensure Sadie receives necessary counseling and to help secure her future.
“Every contribution will help ease the burden on Emma’s family and give Sadie a chance at a brighter future,” the campaign description reads.
The fundraiser’s organizer, whose name was not specified, shared in the campaign that they met MacDonald at a food conference in 2024 and bonded over their shared love for dachshunds.
“Even though we only met in person once, she became one of my closest friends,” the organizer said. “That kind of connection is rare, and I feel so lucky to have had it.”
“I miss her more than I can put into words. It’s still so hard not to reach for my phone and text her,” the organizer added.
In the wake of the tragedy, UMass Amherst is offering support to its community members. Kerri Tillett, the associate vice chancellor for the Equal Opportunity and Access Office, addressed the campus community April 23.
“I know that many of us on campus are still processing grief and shock following the tragic loss of a member of our community to an act of violence on campus last night,” Tillett wrote in her letter. “Throughout the day, we have been providing direct support for those closest to the victim, especially her colleagues who may feel this loss most deeply.”
Tillett reminded the college community of available counseling services and resources.
“For those among us who have survived domestic violence or other trauma, how we navigate the world is changed forever by the experiences we carry,” she wrote. “I want to acknowledge that and ensure we provide the space and resources needed for those who might seek them.”
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