Donations for family of deceased Tua Tagovailoa superfan 'TuAnon' pass $100,000

Donations continue to pour in for the family of Eric Carmona, the founder of the TuAnon fan club of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Carmona recently died in a car accident and a GoFundMe campaign that was set up to support his family has reached $106,541 as of Sunday.

Among the donors to the campaign include Tagovailoa himself, whose $10,000 pledge is the most of any of the 186 people to donate. The Soul Runner Speed Academy, which Dolphins receiver Tyreek Hill is running several youth camps with this summer, gave a $7,000 donation.

“He’s a diehard fan about me, but out of my respect to him, I mean, he basically not just covered me but the entire Dolphins,” Tagovailoa said in a Wednesday press conference. “For me to have done that, Tyreek [Hill] was able to do the same. Other guys have been able to do the same as well, to donate. But I just want his wife and his kids to know that we’re praying for them and that we’re thinking of them.”

Carmona, 30, was a Navy veteran who is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and four children. According to his online memorial, he served in the Navy for six years and continued as a military service technician.

“He lit up every room with his smile and smart wits,” the memorial reads. “He had an innate ability to think quickly on his feet and was expressive with his words. He will forever live in the hearts of every family member and friend who had the honor of having him as part of their lives.”

Carmona started the fan club through a Twitter account under the name “We Are TuAnon.” He would often post videos of himself wearing a mask and using a voice modulator to defend Tagovailoa against his critics. You can view an example of those videos below.

We are TuAnon.

Yet another off-season.

Hear our words and be ready.

Tua’s 4th year will be spectacular.

Expect us. pic.twitter.com/NcOBYGdYsU

— We Are TuAnon (@TheGaluminati) February 13, 2023

Others to make donations to the family of the Tua Tagovailoa superfan include former NFL linebacker and current FOX Sports analyst Emmanuel Acho and Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel.

The goal for the GoFundMe was originally set at $75,000, so the family has well surpassed that through the generous donations of players and fans alike. One can only hope the number continues to rise to give Carmona’s wife and kids one less thing to worry about in this difficult time.