Tragic new details have emerged after an eight-year-old girl died due to an accident while being dropped off at school.
Serenity Campos, eight, had been on her way to Gateway Elementary in Borger, Texas, when the unthinkable tragedy occurred.
Borger assistant city manager and public information officer Brandon Strope told People in a statement on January 24 that the victim had been identified as Serenity, calling her death a “heartbreaking loss” to the community.
He told the outlet: “According to multiple witness accounts, Serenity exited a vehicle in the designated student drop-off area of the Gateway Elementary parking lot.”
However, as she got out of the car, “her coat became caught in the vehicle’s door without the driver’s knowledge.”
Strope continued: “As the vehicle began to pull away, the motion caused Serenity to fall and be struck by the vehicle.
“Despite immediate emergency medical intervention performed on the scene, on the way to and at the hospital, Serenity did not survive.”
In a previous statement, Strope said that the incident, which took place at the school located aroumd 50 miles northeast of Amarillo, is being treated as a “tragic accident”.
He added that the community has rallied since Serenity’s untimely death, and been using the hashtag #LoveLikeSerenity in her honor.
Locals also left teddy bears at a memorial for the eight-year-old, and were “reflecting the joy and innocence [Serenity] brought to those around her.”
He added: “We extend our deepest condolences to Serenity’s family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time,” noting that counselors and support dogs remain present at the school.
A GoFundMe has been set up in Serenity’s memory, and so far over $80,000 has been raised of an initial $75,000 target, for the family of the “beautiful little girl”.
Serenity’s obituary remembered her as being “full of life, love and enthusiasm”, adding: “She had a huge heart and loved BIG. She was a caring and protective big sister and friend, or ‘little mom’, who hated to see anybody crying or sad.
“Serenity was a friend to everyone, and claimed many people as ‘cousins,’ even if they weren’t actually related to her. She knew no stranger, and wanted to always be around her friends. Serenity had a contagious smile – and she was ALWAYS smiling!”
She was remembered for her passion for basketball and soccer, as well as her love of animals, and had been planning to start her own YouTube channel as well as being a gifted student.
Serenity is survived by her parents, Daniel and Daniela Campos; sisters, Braylee and Haisley, and brother, Asher, as well as other family members.
Her funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church on Wednesday, January 29, at 3PM.
Our thoughts remain with her loved ones at this heartbreaking time.
