Friends of a local Star Valley family have organized multiple fundraisers following the unexpected death of Jaram Arnold of Afton. The fundraisers include a Facebook auction and buying votes to determine if a local resident shaves or keeps his longtime beard.

The Facebook fundraiser, titled “Love for the Jaram Arnold Family,” allows members to donate and bid on items and/or services. Items up for auction include tickets to sporting events, local business services and products, home backed goods and more. Group members bid on each individual item in the comments. Bidding closes at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 18.

“Jaram and his family have lived in our community for the past four years and, in that short time, made a lasting impact,” explains the description of the Facebook group. “He was a true friend to many and will be deeply missed by everyone who had the chance to know him. The love and support shown by our community means so much, and this auction is one way we can come together and honor Jaram’s life and the friendships he and his family have built here.”

Donations can also be made directly to the family via venmo, @jaramandrubie. In addition, local resident Don Edwards is taking votes on whether or not he should shave his beard. Facebook friends can make a donation via Venmo and then vote yes or no on shaving the beard by commenting on a post from Don’s wife, Amy. “To support Rubie and her kids, Don is willing to shave off his magnificent beard! Or Not!” explained Amy on her Facebook page. “Put your money where your vote is, to shave or not to shave, and all of the proceeds will go to Rubie!”

Arnold was killed on New Year’s Day following a snowmobile accident. According to Lincoln County Sheriff Shane Johnson, at 5:03 p.m. on January 1, dispatch received an emergency request from the Apple Satellite Service for an injured snowmobiler near the La Barge Guard Station in the Smith’s Fork area. The message was asking for a medical helicopter, however life flight was unable to respond due to weather.

“A Sheriff’s deputy and Search and Rescue members responded to the area where they made contact with family members of Jaram Arnold, a 46-year-old male from Afton, Wyoming,” stated Sheriff Johnson. “The family members stated Arnold had been involved in an accident on his snowmobile. Life-saving measures were taken by the family members, but were unsuccessful.” Sheriff Johnson clarified that the accident was not the result of an avalanche.

The Lincoln County Coroner’s Office confirmed to SVI Media that Arnold’s death “resulted from the snowmobile rolling and pinning him into an awkward or unnatural position causing asphyxiation.”

Services for Arnold will be held Saturday, January 10 at the Salt River Latter-day Saint Chapel with a viewing at 10:00 and the funeral at 11:30. Graveside services will be at the Fairview cemetery at 12:30.