Minnie Mouse balloons fly at fundraiser for 10-year-old killed in Broward hit and run
It was a somber Saturday for Devera Stukes as she held a balloon toss fundraiser for her 10-year-old daughter who died earlier this month, losing a more than seven month battle trying to recover from injuries in a Broward hit and run that killed and injured several other children.
Family and community came together to celebrate the life of Laziyah “Minnie” Stukes, who died on July 11 in Wilton Manors. Dozens of people brought pink, rainbow and Minnie Mouse balloons — Laziyah’s favorite — and released it into the night sky to honor her.
“It is very wonderful to see what love and support she has from family, the community and even strangers we never knew,” Devera told reporters.
While raising funds for Laziyah’s funeral costs, Devera sold an assortment of fried food for attendees.
Devera told reporters Laziyah loved to attend family-oriented events and the balloon released would be “something she would be at if she were here.”
“She was full of energy, always smiling, very kind, humble.” Devera said.
A GoFundMe to pay for her daughter’s funeral arrangements has raised over $6,200 out of the $8,000 goal.
Laziyah was the third child to die from the Wilton Manors hit and run that injured several others on December 27. Andrea Fleming, 6, and Kylie Jones, 5, were also killed. Audre Fleming, 2, Draya Fleming, 9, and Johnathan Carter, 10, were hurt but survived.
“It has been a hard 7 and half months, but we are really blessed to celebrate her life,” Laziyah’s Aunt Kisha Whiting said.
Sean Charles Greer, 28, crashed his Honda Accord into the six children on a sidewalk at 2417 NW Ninth Ave. He sped away without helping them and was arrested two days later. He is still in jail and his next court date is October 11.
READ MORE: Suspect in hit-and-run that killed Broward kids has history of driving without a license
“We are going day by day,” Whiting said. “It’s going to be a hard road...but we are going to make it through.”
