A community rallied around the family of Joleea I. McDermott after the 18-year-old Lehighton Area High School senior died unexpectedly May 21, donating more than $13,000 in the days that followed to help cover funeral costs.

McDermott’s step-grandfather, Michael Joseph Donohue, who organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses, said the death was unexpected and stemmed from an underlying medical condition that has yet to be identified.

“Joleea was a vibrant young woman with her whole life ahead of her, and her loss has left a hole in our hearts that can never be filled,” Donohue said in the GoFundMe announcement.

McDermott was a member of the Class of 2026 and the National Art Honor Society. She had been accepted to Cedar Crest College, where she planned to major in education on a full scholarship beginning this fall.

“Those who knew Joleea saw a young woman who was beginning to truly come out of her shell and look forward to her future,” the high school administration said in a statement to the school community.

Her artwork had been featured in a school art show the week before her death. Donohue said she had hoped to continue developing as an artist in college.

“She was a beautiful soul — caring for everyone around her, always offering a loving smile, and bringing joy to those who knew her,” Donohue said.

The GoFundMe campaign had raised $13,013 of its $22,000 goal from 177 donors as of Friday morning.

“Her kindness and spirit touched so many lives, and we want to honor her memory in the most meaningful way possible,” Donohue said.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. June 6 at Schaeffer Funeral Home, 300 Alum St., Lehighton. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. before the service. Her obituary appears on page 4 today.

The family has asked attendees to wear pink in McDermott’s honor.