Berliner Tageszeitung - Michigan Pizza Driver Halts $785K GoFundme After Viral Prank

Walt Zerod, a Michigan father of four who became the subject of a viral online controversy, has paused a crowdfunding campaign that raised nearly $785,000. The Red Baron delivery driver announced on Thursday that he is closing the page to focus on his family during the holiday season.

Zerod, who delivers frozen pizzas for the Minnesota-based company Schwan’s, stated in an update on the GoFundMe platform that he could not thank donors enough for their support. He noted that the funds allowed him to spend extra time at home with his family rather than working.

"Your kind words have meant the world to my family and I this past week," Zerod wrote. "I still cannot believe how much you have all rallied behind us, and I can never thank you enough."

The fundraiser was launched on Oct. 27 by Arizona resident Luke Oakenshield after footage of Zerod’s interaction with two Instagram pranksters spread across social media. The video showed Zerod stocking shelves at a grocery store when the individuals approached him to ask for the time. They then played a fake Apple Pay transaction sound and accused him of stealing $10 from them.

Although Zerod initially remained calm, he grew increasingly frustrated as the prank continued. In the clip, he explained that his life was difficult enough without such harassment, noting that he had four children at home, was struggling to pay his mortgage, and had already worked past his scheduled shift.

"My life is hard enough as it is, OK? I don’t need this crap," Zerod said in the video. "I gotta wake up at 5 in the morning and do 10 more stores!"

The incident sparked widespread backlash against the pranksters, whose Instagram account, ThreeOfAKind, was subsequently deleted. As of Thursday, the fundraiser had collected $784,273 from approximately 22,800 individual donations, approaching its original goal of $900,000.

Oakenshield previously stated he started the campaign because he was concerned Zerod could face professional consequences for an incident he did not create. The two have since made contact and developed a friendship, according to Zerod’s final update.

Schwan’s confirmed to The Post that Zerod is a direct-store-delivery employee and that the incident occurred in August. A company spokesperson stated last week that Zerod is doing well and remains a valued member of the team.

In his final message, Zerod asked those with the means to continue helping others by supporting other fundraisers, local charities, or churches assisting families in need during the holidays. He described the pause as marking one week of generosity and support for his family.

K. Berger--BTZ