More than $50,000 has been raised for the family of a Makarora man who died on October 10. 

Money raised on the Givealittle fundraiser will go towards the costs associated with raising Hayden Blackburn’s young daughters, Lily and Briar. 

NZ Police said they were called to a sudden death in Makarora at 1.20pm on October 10. 

The accident occured during a tree felling and the death was not considered suspicious.

Hayden, who was 34 years old, is survived by his partner Charlene and two daughters. 

Hayden died in Makorora on October 10 during a tree felling. PHOTO: Wānaka App

He was a “committed father, a wonderful son, a fun-loving brother, a loyal friend and a devoted partner,” friend Mel Barlow said.

“Hayden was a hardworking, dedicated family man and he would love nothing more than for his family, his girls, to be well taken care of.”

Mel said she set up the fundraiser to help meet the costs associated with raising his daughters following his sudden and unexpected death.

More than 300 donors have so far raised $54,427 for Hayden’s family. 

“While we cannot take away the pain of this tragic event, or the loss to his immediate family, we thought we would provide an opportunity for people to contribute financially, and know they are helping in some way,” Mel said. 

Visit the Givealittle fundraiser for Hayden’s family here.