Family and Friends Remember Raife Milligan

By: Corbin Lingenfelter, News Director

Huntingburg- On May 3, 2022, New York University Student and Jasper native Raife Milligan was struck and killed by a drunk driver while crossing the street in New York City. 

One year after the tragedy, family and friends of Raife came together to show support and remember the 21-year-old.

“It’s an emotional day,” said Raife’s father, Joe Milligan, “Actually May third is the day that Raife passed away. Everyone’s here to support the Raife Milligan Foundation.”

The memorial was held at Huntingburg’s Yardgoat. The owners knew Raife, as their son and him were friends. Money was collected for the Raife Milligan Memorial Fund, which will eventually become an endowment. 

Milligan was struck by a camaro driven by Michael de Guzman, who police say was intoxicated at the time of the accident. Milligan would succumb to his injuries at a New York hospital. 

Raife was an organ donor and his wish to do so was honored by his family. He was laid to rest on May 16th, 2022. 

DeGuzman also struck a vehicle after the incident. There was no word on injuries said for that driver. DeGuzman and his two passengers suffered minor injuries according to officials. 

According to online public court records, DeGuzman had his second appearance on May 30, 2023.