Donations are being collected for the family of a local weather enthusiast who passed away unexpectedly this week.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started to raise funds for a service for Rob Heckman, of Summit Hill, who had a following on Facebook and passed away on Wednesday in his sleep.

Heckman ran Carbon County Weather Authority, which has more than 13,000 followers.

Kayla Heckman, of Lehighton, Rob’s sister-in-law, started the GoFundMe, which had raised $5,943 of the $7,000 goal as of Friday morning.

“Writing this with great heart ache,” Kayla said. “We want to give him a beautiful service like he deserves, and we need help to make that happen.”

Kayla said that Rob leaves behind two children; Amanda, 11, and Carson, 8.

“As everyone who knew him knows, they were his life! We are asking for any help to make the services happen, and whatever money goes beyond that will go to his children.

“We thank you ahead of time for all of the support. Please keep his family in your prayers!”

Kayla said anyone with questions may contact her personally on Facebook.

Several people, including Jennifer Frable, posted words of support on the fundraiser.

“I’m sorry for your loss! Rob was a great guy and great weatherman! He will be missed by many!”

Kayla noted that Rob has been into weather “since he was young kid, studied it like crazy. He absolutely loved what he did.

Ryan Fannock posted in East Central PA Weather Talk, “The weather community lost a great guy today.”

Kayla said cars were also a passion of his.

“He definitely had an obsession with cars; he had a Fiero, he just got a Camaro,” and also had several other vehicles. “He just loved cars and car shows.

“His cars were his babies, alongside his actual children.”

Kayla said that Rob was also a DJ for several years as well.

“He absolutely loved spending time with his family and being with his family,” she said.

Along with his children, Rob is survived by his parents, Robert and Nikki Heckman, his brother, Kyle Heckman, and five nephews and one niece.