When Ellie Richardson left work at a Cincinnati sports bar early Thanksgiving morning, she wasn't expecting the violence she faced as she crossed the street.
While walking across the street near her work she was nearly hit by a van, according to the Cincinnati Police Department.
The 27-year-old bartender then got into a verbal argument with the driver before she was shot in the head.
Nick Lachey and his brother Drew opened the bar together in 2014 in their hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. This was a lifelong dream of theirs and they were ready to get it off the ground.
"The determined brothers are ready to roll up this sleeves and learn the ins and outs of running a place where everybody knows your name," a press release stated.
After the horrible incident with their employee, Nick and Drew are stepping up to help the member of their restaurant family.
The young mother suffered non-life threatening injuries, and now the brothers from 98 Degrees are asking the public for help in donating to her medical expenses.
So far they have raised over $47,000 to help in her care and recovery.
"Ellie is the brightest light and she will find a way to shine through this darkness," Nick tweeted on Friday. "Anyone with any information, help us find some justice."
Ellie is the brightest light and she will find a way to shine through this darkness. Anyone with any information, help us find some justice. https://t.co/h4Yt6gorPm
— Nick Lachey (@NickLachey) November 24, 2017
Drew tweeted, "As some of you may have heard, Ellie was the victim of a vicious assault. If u have any info about it please contact the authorities or u can help her on her recovery by donating. Thank you and please keep her in your prayers."
As some of you may have heard, Ellie was the victim of a vicious assault. If u have any info about it please contact the authorities or u can help her on her recovery by donating. Thank you and please keep her in your prayers. â¤ï¸https://t.co/YmpA4D1ftf
— Drew Lachey (@DrewLachey) November 25, 2017
"It's still unclear how long she'll be in the hospital and what her recovery process will entail," the page read. "Funds from this campaign will go toward her medical expenses and help support her and her family until she's back on her feet. Any amount is sincerely appreciated, and we want this to reach as many people as possible so please feel free to share!"
The campaign they set up for her recovery is done through YouCaring.
Authorities are still searching for the suspect, and identified the vehicle as a maroon Chevrolet Express 1500 conversion van.
The suspect is an African-American male of medium build with a slight beard and was wearing glasses.
