By all accounts, 27-year-old Brian Fisher of Bucyrus was a kind-hearted guy.
His mom, Fran Zimmerman, said he was free-spirited and loved his job as a tree trimmer.
“He loved to be outside working, climbing trees like a monkey,” Fran said with a smile that quickly left her face as the memory faded and the horrible reality she is living returned.
Saturday night at 9:34 p.m. Fran got the phone call no parent ever wants to receive.
Brian’s wife called and said, “Brian’s dead.”
With those words, Fran’s life shattered, her heart broken into a million pieces.
“He was happy and everything seemed fine on Saturday. He had brought me those amazing donuts from Morning Glory Bakery Saturday morning, the ones with the bacon sprinkled on top. He played with his nephew, my son Jeffrey’s little boy, for a bit then went about his day,” Fran said.
That day ended at Bucyrus Community Hospital.
“We are still investigating Brian’s death,” said Bucyrus Police Chief Dave Koepke on Monday. Preliminary autopsy results will be sent to the Crawford County Coroner’s Office.
Aaron Zimmerman, Brian’s stepfather, said Brian had fought his share of demons.
“He had his struggles,” said Aaron.
Fran said Brian’s death was very unexpected.
“He did not have any type of insurance to pay his final expenses,” Fran said.
Fran’s sister, Bessie Hill, has set up a GoFundMe.com campaign at https://www.gofundme.com/jyrp5y58 to help offset the costs along with donations that can be made through Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home in Bucyrus.
“People can also make donations to the charity of their choice in Brian’s name,” said Aaron, as he fought back tears.
Fran said the support from the community has been overwhelming.
“You think we live in a world where people just don’t care about others anymore but then something like this happens and even complete strangers are being so very kind to us. We appreciate everyone so much,” Fran said.
Aaron said from the stranger at Walmart who offered condolences to the hard work of the Bucyrus Police Department, everyone has been wonderful to his family.
“The outpouring from the community is amazing and we want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts,” Aaron said.
