Michigan Red Baron worker in cruel prank pauses fundraiser after strangers help raise $785K

A Michigan dad targeted in an Instagram prankster’s cruel trick has paused the fundraiser launched on his behalf after strangers rallied to raise nearly $785,000.Walt Zerod, a father of four who delivers frozen pizzas for Red Baron, announced the decision to shutter the viral crowdfunding page Thursday, thanking the thousands who helped his family while urging those to support other causes this holiday season.“Your kind words have meant the world to my family and I this past week,” Zerod wrote in an update on the GoFundMe page.“I still cannot believe how much you have all rallied behind us, and I can never thank you enough.

I’ve been able to spend lots of extra time at home with my family this week.”“I’ve decided to pause donations to my fundraiser today, Thursday, November 5, marking one week of your incredible generosity and support for my family and I,” he continued.Zerod said the latest update would be his last as he steps out of the viral spotlight to focus on spending the holidays alongside his family.“If you have the means and would like to continue helping others, please consider supporting another fundraiser, a local charity, or a church helping families in need this holiday season,” Zerod added.The fundraiser was launched Oct.

27 by Arizona man Luke Oakenshield after footage of Zerod’s confrontation with two Instagram trolls went viral.The clip showed Zerod stocking frozen pizzas at a grocery store when the pranksters approached him to ask for the time, then played a fake Apple Pay transaction sound and claimed he had taken $10 from him.Zerod initially remained calm, but grew increasingly frustrated as the pranksters continued provoking him.“My life is hard enough as it is, OK? I don’t need this crap,” he said in the clip.The worker went on to explain that he had four children at home, was struggling to pay his mortgage and had already worked past his scheduled shift.“I gotta wake up at 5 in the morning and do 10 more stor...