Even in her final hours, Hailey showed her loving and giving spirit to the younger children who were with her in the parade, said the family.
A girl who was hit by a truck during the Raleigh Christmas Parade has now been identified. The internet flooded social media with support and condolences for 11-year-old Hailey Brooks. The little girl 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 her has been set up with candles and continues to see more flowers and heartfelt messages every day.
According to ABC11, one woman stopped by Tuesday and told the publication that the tragic story broke her heart even though she was missing from the parade where the mishap took place. The publication saw her leaving a bunch of flowers and saying a prayer for the little girl. "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 company also sent a statement to the parents informing them that they were providing counsel for anyone and everyone needing it.
Absolute heroes: Video shows at least 6 people, including two police officers, physically stopping the out-of-control pickup truck at the #Raleigh Christmas Parade. A young dancer participating in the parade was hit by the truck. @WRAL pic.twitter.com/bkw7NYNc2o
— Joe Fisher - WRAL (@JoeFisherTV) November 19, 2022
"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."
According to the police reports the fatal incident happened around 10:15 a.m. near the insection of Hillsborough Street and Boylan Avenue. The driver of the truck said that he lost control of the truck. The parents and dancers managed to save themselves but Brooks was hit and ultimately passed away from her injuries. No other person on the scene was harmed.
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. According to CBS17, Parade-goers were also seen pushing the truck in the opposite direction in an attempt to stop it, which they eventually did. "A little girl got run over by a truck, just send everybody that you can", said someone on a 911 call.
References:
https://abc11.com/raleigh-christmas-parade-accident-hailey-brooks-girl-killed-landen-glass/12481490/
Cover Image Source: GoFundMe
