Friends and family start GoFundMe for man killed while trimming palm tree

As of Monday, the family has raised more than $8,000 in donations

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - Palm fronds trapped a man as he trimmed a palm tree in Phoenix.

The family of Alfredo Barboza-Saucedo says he worked trimming palm trees for the last six years. He also worked as a cook at a Mexican restaurant in Maryville.

A longtime family friend, Gerardo Rivera says, "It's honestly sad, he was always working."

Fire officials say Barboza-Saucedo died trapped, suffocated by palm fronds.

After his death, Rivera knew the family would need help as the family had been financially struggling.

Rivera organized a car wash to use the earnings to help with funeral expenses.

This past weekend, the family raised over $8,000. They hope to reach more than $10,000.

Friends and family held the car wash in the parking lot of the Maryvale restaurant, where Barboza-Saucedo worked.

The family created a GoFundMe in hopes of receiving help for the funeral.