Emma Savoie.Photo: GoFundMe
“The preliminary investigation indicates that during dismissal time, a group of school children were attempting to cross a parking lot,” police said in apress release. “For reasons still under investigation, a child accidentally ran out into the path of a truck, resulting in fatal injuries.”
Afterwards, she was taken to Slidell Memorial Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
“It appears to be a tragic accident,” he said.
Police say that members of the school staff as well as first responders “did everything they could to help Emma.”
“According to Emma’s family, she called herself a princess,” Fandal said on Thursday. “Everyone else called her an angel.”
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“She was taken from us far too early, and her Mom, Dad, big brother & younger twin siblings could use some support over the coming weeks & months,” the campaign fundraiser wrote.
“So for those of you who are asking what you can do, a small donation will help,” they continued. “Any donations will go to help pay for meals, help around the house, counseling, and all the other expenses which they’ll face as they try to cope with this terrible tragedy.”
As of Friday morning, the online fundraiser has raised over $60,000 — far exceeding its initial $5,000 goal.
Police said on Thursday that “several children” were in the parking lot at the time of Emma’s death and that “unfortunately there were young witnesses to the accident.”
School officials announced that they had canceled classes on Thursday and Friday and that counselors would be made available.
“The loss of a child is unimaginable,” Fandal said in a statement. “This kind of tragedy affects us all.”
source: people.com
