2 YouTubers from Schaffrillas Productions Killed in Crash, Third Survives: 'I Have Been Torn Apart'

Photo: GoFundMe

Two members of YouTube’s Schaffrillas Productions team have died and a third is recovering after their car collided with a tractor-trailer in Pennsylvania over the weekend.

Family and friends said James Phyrillas, brother of Patrick and friend of Schaffer, wasbehind the wheelof the sedan involved in the crash at the intersection of Hamilton Boulevard/Route 222 and Folk Road, perLehigh Valley Live.

The channel, which James posts on, featured Schaffer and Patrick as guests, perLeigh Valley Live.

Schaffer and Patrick died from blunt force head injuries, coroner Daniel Buglio said in Monday’s news release. Their deaths have been deemed accidental.

James was critically injured in the crash, per the report. A Twitter account speaking on behalf of the channel’s editing teamconfirmed James' conditionin a tweet on Monday.

The Upper Macungie Township Police, which are investigating, did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

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“Home now after 3 days in the hospital, with my ribs fractured, my lung punctured, my body bruised, my heart broken. Patrick and Chris were my best friends,” James wrote. “Been trying to wrap my head around why I was spared. Where I go from here.”

James also shareda GoFundMe campaignfor Schaffer’s funeral expenses, which has already raised more than $34,000.

Schaffer’s fiancée Amber Amin, who started the fundraiser, remembered her love as “a wonderful son, brother, friend, partner, and so much more.”

“His humor and kindness have touched the hearts of many,” she wrote. “We appreciate the outpouring of support from everyone during these difficult times.”

James said he “willmost likely be returningto video work soon” and believes both Schaffer and Patrick “would have wanted me to continue my work.”

“Please understand that I need a sense of normality to occupy my days, lest I sink deeper into despair,” he wrote.

Schaffer and Patrick will both appear on the channel"one last time"in wake of Sunday’s tragedy, James said. The duo previously recorded scenes for a retrospective ofStar Wars: The Clone Warsseason 3.

James went on tothank fansfor their support andasked for privacyas he mourns the loss of his brother and friend. In the meantime, heplans to brainstorm"ways to preserve their legacy, be it charitable endeavors or otherwise."

“I owe them this much, given how I unjustly was the only one to walk away unscathed,” he added. “Thanks again for all your kind words. Please don’t judge me to trying to continue my jovially toned videos. I don’t know how else to be.I have been torn aparton the inside and I need to cope in my own way.”

source: people.com