Fake & Real (?) fundraisers launched for Cannibal Corpse member, who is in jail, lost everything in fire

Cannibal Corpse

Following this week’s news that Cannibal Corpse guitarist Pat O’Brien was arrested for breaking into a home and running towards a police officer with a knife, all while his house was on fire with military-style flamethrowers and ammunition inside of it, a crowdfunding campaign was launched by Cannibal Corpse drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz’s wife Deana Mazurkiewicz to help Pat raise money to fix the damage caused by the fire. “As most of you are aware on December 10, 2018, Pat O’brien’s house burned down,” it reads. “Pat does not have insurance, and lost everything that he owns.”

Cannibal Corpse have still yet to release their own statement on this confusing series of events, but Deana urges that “people not jump to conclusions until the full details of what occurred come out.” Here’s more from the campaign:

As most of you are aware on December 10, 2018, Pat O’brien’s house burned down. He lost everything he owns.

Pat is a standup guy, true to his friends, family and his band. Also Pat does not have insurance, and lost everything that he owns. These funds will help him get back on his feet with the regular much-needed necessities like clothing, a roof over his head, and other daily life necessities that are needed.

Understanding that money is tight for everybody, especially around the holidays but every amount does help. If it’s $1, $5 dollars, $20 or more. Every penny from this campaign will go directly to Pat.

If you’re a metal fan and you’ve had the honor of meeting Pat at a show, or elsewhere when he’s out and about then you know how friendly he is, and approachable. He would never start a campaign for himself, but I know he would be absolutely humbled by the support shown.

I asked that people not jump to conclusions until the full details of what occurred come out, and that you show Pat nothing but love and support and let him know that you’re there for him. Although the last 48 hours have been shocking to most people, they’ve been devastating to him.

Please feel free to share your pictures, your words and show your support. The changing of your profile pictures on Facebook has been very inspirational. The metal community is a tight one whether you know somebody personally or not ans your support is so much appreciated.

Earlier this week, there was at least one GoFundMe campaign allegedly posted by a fan looking to raise money to help O’Brien make bail (which was set at $50,000, pending results of a drug test). Deanna posted about that on Facebook too: “This is not legitimate people! Fans are making pages in order to probably collect funds for themselves. I already reported it, the one I posted is the only one to share and donate to through Mightycause.”

Fellow musicians have also shown their support for O’Brien and helped publicize the campaign, including Abysmal Dawn and Lord Ahriman of Dark Funeral:

O’Brien is being charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon and burglary of an occupied dwelling with assault or battery. You can read more of the initial story here.