A GoFundMe account has been created to assist the family of Ryan Shirey, who died Feb. 19 in an officer-involved shooting in Catasauqua.

According to Scott Rossi, who created the fund, the money will be used to pay for cremation costs, a homeowner’s insurance deductible for cleanup, family bills and possible legal fees.

According to Pennsylvania State Police Troop M, Catasauqua police were called just before 2 p.m. Feb. 19 to 133 S. 14th St. for a report of a dispute between a man and his ex-girlfriend.

Three borough officers responded to the call. As they entered the home, Shirey, 27, fled to the basement of the home, where he retrieved a revolver, police said.

When the officers entered the basement, one of the police officers fired his own weapon, striking Shirey, according to the report.

Shirey was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Ryan was abruptly taken from us in an encounter with the police during a mental health crisis,” Rossi wrote on the GoFundMe page. “This is a tragedy beyond description.”

According to Shirey’s obituary, he loved animals. Any funds remaining after the other bills are paid will be donated to Lehigh Valley Therapy Dogs.

At press time, $4,065 out of a $6,000 goal had been raised.

“The world is poorer for Ryan’s absence,” Rossi wrote. “He will be greatly missed, and we will spend the rest of our lives working for justice for Ryan.”

The investigation continues by Troop M Major Case Team, Lehigh County Homicide Task Force and Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office.