On Thursday, November 27, Mountaineer Journal Publisher Caiden Cowger launched a GoFundMe fundraiser calling on friends and his longtime audience to support the family of Sarah Beckstrom, one of two West Virginia National Guard soldiers shot in Washington, D.C., the day before Thanksgiving. Beckstrom passed away on Thanksgiving Day. The second soldier, Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.
As of November 30, 2025, Mountaineer Journal has raised over $31,000 for the Beckstrom Family.
Yesterday, Sen. Brian Helton (R-Fayette, 9) and Cowger participated in a joint call with the West Virginia Governor’s Office to coordinate next steps. Later that evening, Cowger attended a vigil honoring Beckstrom at Webster County High School. While traveling to the event, he spoke with a member of the Beckstrom Family on the phone who plans to take the appropriate steps to contact those in state government coordinating with Cowger to appropriately verify all details. He expressed that, once verification is complete, he will be in communication with Sarah’s father after the memorial services conclude and when the timing is appropriate.
Cowger addressed the emotional weight of the tragedy in a video statement posted on Facebook.
“Charlie Kirk and I were friends when I was a kid. A few months ago, I watched a friend from my childhood get assassinated, shot in the neck, for exercising his right to freedom of speech,” Cowger said.
“Walking through your hometown after losing a friend or loved one, seeing all the flags at half-staff for them, it’s one of the most somber, surreal experiences of my life. And then to experience something like this again, so soon, seeing the flags lowered once more, this time for a beloved daughter of West Virginia who lived so close to my home, it weighed on me. I felt obligated by God to do something for this family.”
At the vigil, Cowger also met in person with the representative from the Governor’s Office with whom he had previously spoken by phone. The representative, who attended with Governor Morrisey, confirmed that they would reach out to the member of the Beckstrom Family and coordinate to ensure the next steps are properly completed when the family is ready.
Cowger additionally spoke with the West Virginia State Police Detachment Commander of Webster County, who confirmed that he personally knows the Beckstrom Family. The two exchanged contact information, and Cowger will continue to provide updates as appropriate to the Detachment Commander. The Detachment Commander also noted his familiarity with GoFundMe’s security processes, as a family member of his has previously used the platform, and expressed appreciation for being kept informed.
Cowger extended his gratitude to his supporters, fellow West Virginians, and individuals across the country who have contributed or shared the fundraiser.
“The compassion shown toward the Beckstrom Family has been extraordinary,” Cowger said. “We will keep the GoFundMe active to help the family cover unforeseen expenses and provide continued support during this unimaginable time.”
Cowger encourages the public to continue praying for the Beckstrom Family during their time of profound loss, and to keep Andrew Wolfe in their prayers as he continues to fight for his life.