"Our little girl is up there smiling at us, every heart she touched," her parents said.
A 1-year-old girl was killed in Missouri over the weekend after being struck by a train. According to authorities, the little kid "was stationary" on the railroad tracks when she was struck by the train in Hardin, Missouri, just after 8:45 a.m. local time on Saturday, May 13. The tragic incident enveloped the community and the kin of the child in deep grief. Parents Daylea and Hunter, who withheld their last names, recognized the youngster as their daughter, Harper in an interview with CBS station KCTV. She would have turned two in a matter of weeks, they informed the media outlet.
"Harper was very adventurous," Daylea told the outlet of the child, whom she remembered as being a "happy baby," who "loved everybody." Hunter added, "Our little girl is up there smiling at us, every heart she touched," adding, “She had a smile for everybody.” As per PEOPLE, The Ray County Sheriff's Office described what transpired as a "tragic event" in a Facebook post published on the day when the incident took place. In a comment, Sheriff Scott Childers shared that, he is "struggling with the situation" himself and "can't imagine the trauma the family is going through." The post of the authority reads, "At this time we will not be making any statements. We ask you [to] pray for all affected by today's event and respect their privacy."
Support grows for family of young Missouri girl struck, killed by train: https://t.co/x0px56N8HF #KAKEnews
— KAKE News (@KAKEnews) May 16, 2023
"We live in an age where everybody wants to know everything. But sometimes accidents happen, incidents happen and we have to respect people's privacy," the officer added as he spoke of the unprecedented incident involving an innocent soul. The source quoted Daylea as saying she has been praying for the train driver and doesn't "blame anyone." According to the MSHP, an investigation into the event is still continuing. The official statement said, “The Patrol is conducting a preliminary investigation into this incident; however, the Ray County Sheriff’s Office will be investigating the death.”
According to the news outlet, a monument has been established for Harper next to the railroad lines where she died. The area beside the train tracks where a young child was killed is now surrounded by a growing collection of flowers and modest presents. Bouquets and a few of Harper's favorite toys were present during the tribute. Harper's favorite Happy Meal was also left there by someone. Another sign of support is the fact that as of Tuesday, May 16, the family had received more than $21,000 through GoFundMe.
Earlier today there was an incident involving a train and a juvenile pedestrian, along the railway tracks in Hardin, Ray County MO.
— MSHP Troop A (@MSHPTrooperA) May 13, 2023
The Patrol is conducting a preliminary investigation into this incident; however, the Ray County Sheriff’s Office will be investigating the death. pic.twitter.com/Xs1RPcCUlk
The fundraising page set up by kin reads, “After a tragic accident this morning and the loss of Hunter and Daylea’s sweet baby Harper, we have put together this GoFundMe to help with the unexpected upcoming expenses and for future needs for them and their little family. Anything will help and prayers are welcome!”
References:
https://www.kctv5.com/2023/05/15/hardin-support-grows-family-young-girl-struck-by-train/
https://twitter.com/MSHPTrooperA
https://www.gofundme.com/f/hunter-and-daylea-hattock?w4Esc
Cover Image Source: GoFundMe
