After Boston Police Officer Mark Walsh's Death, GoFundMe Raises More Than $160K for His Two Sons

BOSTON -- After a Boston police officer died, leaving his two young sons behind, a GoFundMe raised more than $160,000.

On Feb. 20, Mark Walsh, 51, of Milton, died after a “rapid courageous battle” with the flu, sepsis and cardiac trauma.

The beloved husband and devoted father was remembered for his “zest for life and unwavering spirit touched the hearts of all who knew him.”

He enjoyed spending summers lounging by his pool with his family and swimming with his two children.

“Although Mark has left us too soon, we will all cherish our time with him and thank his many friends, the amazing unwavering Boston Police community and his team at Beth Israel Deaconess in Milton and Boston for their loving care in his final days,” the obituary read. “Mark’s life was one of service, love, and laughter. His support for his family, his dedication to his community, and his ability to bring joy to every occasion will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.”

Now, a GoFundMe has raised more than $160,000 for his wife and two young boys as of Monday morning. Its goal was $10,000.

The family has a “long, difficult, and uncertain road ahead of them,” the GoFundMe reads. “Our hope is to relieve some of that uncertainty. Mark has always stepped up for his family friends and co workers, no questions asked. Thank you for your consideration and generosity.”

More than 1,200 people have donated to the GoFundMe.

The active-duty police officer served the department for nearly 20 years, including being a first responder during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing as he was stationed across from the finish line on Boylston Street.

“Detective Walsh was highly regarded by those he worked with, his supervisors and all who knew him, both within the Department and by those we serve,” a statement by the Boston Police Department read.

Walsh had been appointed to the department on Oct. 31, 2005.

Before he became a detective on Aug. 21, 2021, Walsh was an officer in Dorchester and the South End, and was a part of the Youth Violence Strike Force.

During his time with the department, Walsh worked with a community group to share insights into gangs so that they could better understand and support youth in foster care, the department said.

Walsh’s other notable successes with the department included helping an outside agency apprehend a murder suspect and his arrest of a person who was suspected of breaking and entering in Boston neighborhoods.

He was known for taking guns and felons off the streets of Boston, and received multiple accolades “from the community and by those he served with” for his “dedicated service” as an officer and detective, the department’s statement read.

“Mark’s commitment to his profession and the well-being of his city was evident in the passion and integrity with which he approached his duties,” his obituary read.

The funeral will be live streamed on Feb. 27.