The Shelby County community is rallying around an Oak Mountain High School custodian who was critically injured in a traffic crash that killed his wife.

A GoFundMe has been started for Nitin Jani, who remains hospitalized at UAB Hospital. His wife, 55-year-old Parul Jani, also on staff at the high school, died in the Monday wreck that police say was caused by a wrong-way driver who fled the scene and was fatally struck by a vehicle on Interstate 65.

“Mr. Jani, our beloved custodian, was in a dangerous car accident the other day. He was severely injured, and his wife unfortunately passed away,’’ according to the GoFundMe. “He is currently in UAB hospital in critical condition.”

“Obviously, the medical bills of this outcome would be very high, and we want to help Mr. Jani out,’’ the fundraising organizer wrote. “If everyone donated 7 dollars, we could easily make a huge impact on his life.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, the GoFundMe had raised $23,500. Donations can be made here.

The first wreck happened about 6 p.m. Monday on Valleydale Road at the I-65 overpass.

Authorities said 44-year-old Roger Maurice Jones was driving a Ford Expedition northbound in the southbound lanes on Valleydale Road when he struck the Jani’s Camry head-on.

Jones fled the scene on foot, running onto I-65. As he attempted to cross the southbound lanes, he was hit by an oncoming Mitsubishi Outlander.

Jones taken to UAB Hospital where he later died.

The Janis were also taken to UAB Hospital.

Parul Jani was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver of the Outlander remained on the scene of the second crash.

Parul Jani worked in child nutrition at Oak Mountain High School. She also worked at after-school-care at Oak Mountain Intermediate School.

Oak Mountain High School Principal Andrew Gunn released this statement to AL.com:

“We are saddened by the devastating news of the passing of our dear colleague and friend, Parul Jani. Mrs. Jani worked at Oak Mountain High School for 18 years, and her impact on our school community was immeasurable. Her warmth, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our students and staff made her an integral part of our Oak Mountain family.”

“This tragic accident has left us all in shock and mourning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her husband, Nitinchandra, and their 3 children. We hope for his swift recovery and that he finds strength in the presence of his family during this difficult time.”