Escalon High alum and wrestling standout Cameron DuBois was a bit delayed in getting off to college.

He was on his way to Hastings College in Nebraska – where he will attend on a wrestling scholarship – when his truck caught on fire while crossing the Donner Summit.

Cameron was traveling with his parents at the time and though all escaped safely, dad Shannon said the truck was a total loss, along with all of the items being taken to college. That ranged from bedding to computers, clothing and more.

Shortly after the incident, DuBois said a GoFundMe account was started for his son and college roommate and fellow EHS grad Daniel Gonzalez, who is in Nebraska to play football at the college.

“A lot of people came together in this city and made things come together for Cameron,” Dubois said, noting that the donations – large and small – added up to several thousand dollars in just a few days’ time. That helped provide enough money to help Cameron get to school on time by taking a flight as opposed to driving, as well as replacing needed clothing, household items and more.

DuBois said key support came from EHS wrestling coach Derek Scott and Hashem Naraghi, both of whom helped get the word out about the fire and the need for assistance.

“It’s just amazing how many people came together throughout the city,” DuBois said, adding that he, his wife Jennifer and Cameron all wanted to send their heartfelt thanks to all that donated.

It was a scary situation, DuBois added, when the truck caught on fire.

“The muffler blew up actually, and it caught the gas tank on fire, it became fully engulfed in flames and it blew up as we were running away from the vehicle,” DuBois said.

The GoFundMe account raised nearly $5,000 to help Cameron and Daniel replace the items they lost and get Cameron on a plane to make the start of classes in time for the school year.

“This little city of Escalon is something else,” DuBois said thankfully. “It’s amazing how fast we got help.”