LAND O' LAKES, Fla. — Thousands of dollars are being donated in honor of Kinley Edwards.
Described as a shining light, her mother said she looked after her little sister like it was her duty.
But the 7-year-old girl was killed just before the new year after a man failed to stop for traffic, causing the 26-year-old to crash into several cars, including the sedan that Kinley was sitting in the back seat of, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Kinley was flown to the hospital but eventually died.
Her little sister was also in the back seat, and authorities said she suffered "life-threatening injuries." Their mom was treated for injuries as well.
"You just remember her smile," said Mike Moore, the family's pastor. "Just always happy coming in."
Moore of Grace Family Church said the family planned to get donuts when the crash took place.
It happened on Dec. 29 near the intersection of State Road 54 and Lakepointe Parkway. Kinley passed away on New Year's Eve, troopers said.
To honor Kinley's legacy, Moore said the family also decided to donate Kinley's organs.
"As tragic as her life ended, she's able to give life to somebody else and give hope to another family," Moore said.
Since Kinley's passing, people helped raised nearly $70,000 through GoFundMe as of Sunday night to help her family.
In a statement, Kinley's mother Johanna wrote:
"From the very day God blessed us with Kinley, she was smiling and she never stopped… no matter the situation Kinley always had a smile on her face, she never knew a stranger and always made friends. She could be a bit shy but would always have a welcoming friendly most beautiful smile for anyone and everyone she ever encountered.
"She was the sweetest most caring big sister and she took that role very seriously - protecting, loving and caring for her baby sister like it was her duty. Just before her passing she was learning to ride her electric scooter she got from Santa like a pro, wearing her daddy out that couldn’t keep up with her on his skateboard, she would laugh and she had the most amazing laugh.
"Kinley Dawne was truly a shining light in this world and this world will be a little less bright w/o her in it but we are firm believers in our God and we take comfort in knowing she’s in his heavenly arms, protecting her mommy, daddy and baby sister for the rest of our lives."