GoFundMe Raises $16K in Hours for Clemson Grad Meryn Rawl Shot in Neck and Cheek
A recent Clemson University graduate is recovering from gunshot wounds after being caught in the crossfire of a violent shooting, and a fundraising campaign launched on her behalf has already exceeded its goal within hours of going live.
Meryn Rawl, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Communications from Clemson University in May 2026, was shot once in the neck and once in the cheek during the incident.
According to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Colin Roche of Charlotte, North Carolina, Rawl was an innocent bystander caught in crossfire and did not deserve what happened to her.
“This horrifying event has changed her life in an instant, leaving her to face a long and challenging road to recovery,” Roche wrote on the fundraising page.
Details about the shooting, including the exact date, location, and circumstances, have not been publicly released. Clemson University has not issued a statement, and law enforcement authorities have yet to release any information about the incident.
A Promising Career Just Getting Started
Rawl, who grew up connected to her family’s agricultural business, Walter P. Rawl and Sons, Inc., based in Pelion, South Carolina, was an active and accomplished student during her four years at Clemson.
She made the President’s List in the fall semester, received her Clemson Ring after completing 90 credit hours, and completed a study abroad photography program at Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento, Italy.
Professionally, Rawl had built a strong resume before graduation. She completed a merchandising internship at Marleylilly, a South Carolina-based personalized gifts and apparel brand, where she managed product descriptions, SEO content, Greek and collegiate licensing, and weekly marketing graphics.
She also served as a marketing intern at Walter P. Rawl and Sons from May 2024 through August 2025, contributing to social media content, photography, and graphic design.
Her former supervisor at Marleylilly, e-commerce and marketing leader Holly J., praised Rawl in a LinkedIn recommendation, writing that she always delivered projects on time, brought a positive attitude to every task, and demonstrated a strong sense of ownership throughout her internship. She added that any organization would be lucky to have her on their team.
Community Responds With Outpouring of Support
The GoFundMe campaign, titled “Support For Meryn Rawl’s Recovery,” was created by Colin Roche of Charlotte, North Carolina, with an initial goal of $15,000.
Within roughly 11 hours of launching, the page had already received 273 donations totaling more than $16,600, surpassing its target. The largest single contribution was $1,500 from an anonymous donor.
Roche stated that all funds raised will go directly toward Rawl’s medical bills, surgical costs, and ongoing recovery expenses. He noted that the shooting has fundamentally altered the trajectory of her life just as she was stepping into her professional career.
“What happened to Meryn wasn’t deserved at all, and she is now forced to go through a life-changing event. The road ahead will be incredibly difficult, but if we can make it any easier for her, it would be incredibly helpful,” Roche wrote.
Roche also encouraged people to share the fundraiser, noting that even a single share can inspire additional donations and help the campaign reach more people willing to contribute to Rawl’s recovery.
Those wishing to support Rawl can donate through the GoFundMe campaign at gofundme.com by searching “Support For Meryn Rawl’s Recovery.”
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