It started off as an idea from a mate mourning the death of murdered Australian Chris Lane, but it has turned out to be so much more.
Marshall Veal, who played baseball with Mr Lane in Oklahoma, set up an online memorial fund three days ago with the goal to raise $US15,000 to cover the cost of sending Mr Lane's body back to Australia and funeral expenses, but the overwhelming support from across the world has pushed the total so far to more than $US120,000 ($A133,800).
The funeral expenses are now well and truly covered, but the extra donations will be put to good use.
Mr Lane's family has announced the money left over after paying for his funeral expenses will go into a foundation that will make donations in Mr Lane's name "to organisations he was passionate about and hopefully help fulfil others dreams.
"Christopher would be so proud he had a made a difference in so many lives," his family wrote in a message posted on the online memorial fundraiser.
More than 3100 people have donated as little as $US5 to the fund and the messages left run the gamut of emotions, with some angry, while others are devastated at the tragic way Mr Lane, 22, was shot in the back last Friday in Duncan, Oklahoma, and left to die on the side of a road.
"As a mother of two young adults, I can only imagine what Christopher's family is going through," Cheryl G., who donated $US25, wrote on the website.
"It is just heartbreaking.
"So, so sorry for your loss of a beautiful young man."
James Edwards, 15 and Chancey Luna, 16, have been charged with first-degree murder.
It is alleged Luna fired the shot into Mr Lane's back as he jogged along a Duncan road.
Michael Jones, 17, was the alleged driver of the car and is charged with being an accessory to murder.
Oklahoma police allege the three boys randomly targeted Mr Lane because they were bored and thought it would be fun to kill him.
The online fund can be found at: www.gofundme.com/3zktjc
