11-year-old killed in Raleigh Christmas Parade identified as Hailey Brooks
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The girl who was accidentally hit by a truck during the Raleigh Christmas Parade has been identified.
An outpouring of support has been posted on social media for 11-year-old Hailey Brooks.
She was a performer with the CC & Company Dance Complex.
Her family released the following statement:
"Hailey's tragic death has left our family heartbroken and in shock. She had a kind and humble heart that was always focused on caring for the needs of those around her. Even in her final hours, Hailey showed her loving and giving spirit to the younger children who were with her in the parade. We greatly appreciate the love and support that the community has shown us, and we plan to share more about Hailey's special life soon. At this time, we ask that the media respect our family's need for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dear Hailey."
A memorial for Brooks continues to grow with candles, flowers and heartfelt messages. Many of the contributions come from people who never even knew the young girl.
One woman stopped by Tuesday and told ABC11 she was not even at the parade Saturday, but still the tragic story broke her heart. She left some flowers and said a prayer at the memorial.
"Yeah, I just think out of respect for the family, since we were here like at that tragic moment that we can at least honor them in a way by either giving a flower or giving a candle," Valeria Reynoso said.
CC & Co. Dance sent a statement to parents informing them that counseling was available for anyone who needed it.
"Our hearts remain broken as we have navigated through the past few days. We are grateful for all the prayers and outpouring of love and support from our CC & Co. families and the community," the statement read in part. "The CC & Co. Team truly loves their students and we are dedicated to continuing to create a nurturing environment and a community to support each other. Dance and movement are forms of healing and therapy. As difficult as it will be to return to classes at the studio with the huge loss in our hearts, we hope that you can join us in the healing as we celebrate the life of this young dancer who blessed us in so many ways."
Police said the fatal accident happened around 10:15 a.m. Saturday near the intersection of Hillsborough Street and Boylan Avenue. The driver of the CC & Company Dance float said he lost control of the truck. Dancers and parents scrambled but Brooks was hit and ultimately died from her injuries. No other parade participants were injured.
A mother told ABC11 two women helped save her daughters' lives. She said they pushed her daughters and dozens of other children out of the way of the out-of-control truck Saturday morning. Those heroes' identities are unknown.
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The driver, Landen Christopher Glass, 20, is facing charges of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, careless and reckless driving, improper equipment, unsafe movement and carrying a firearm in a parade.
