Community raises more than $80,000 for family of Borger student who died in accident

The Borger community and surrounding area has rallied in support after last week’s accident in a school drop-off zone took the life of a young student — raising funds, offering counseling and prayers and wearing pink in solidarity of her family, friends and peers impacted by the tragedy.

An online fundraiser supporting the family of an 8-year-old Borger girl who died in the tragic drop-off accident at Gateway Elementary School has surpassed $80,600, according to the campaign’s GoFundMe page. More than 1,400 donations had been made as of Wednesday afternoon. Other collections were taken at area games, and an account was also set up at Pantex Federal Credit Union in the girl’s name.

Stuffed animals lined the sign of the elementary in a makeshift memorial set up after the horrific turn of events ended the school day early Friday.

The child, identified as second-grader Serenity Campos, died Jan. 24 after her coat became stuck in a vehicle door during morning drop-off, police said. A senior school official attempted to intervene, but the incident “happened so quickly that it could not be stopped,” according to a news release from the Borger Police Department.

“Our hearts go out to all those affected by this horrible accident,” the department said, adding that there is no reason to believe criminal charges will be filed.

The GoFundMe page states that Serenity’s parents, Daniel and Daniela Campos, are caring for three other children and face significant expenses in the wake of their daughter’s death. Organizers set a $75,000 goal, and donations have already exceeded that amount.

Loved ones described Serenity as a caring, spirited child with a “contagious smile” who “hated to see anybody crying or sad.” She is survived by her parents and siblings, Braylee, Haisley and Asher.

And her school has shared messages about Serenity using the hashtag, “LoveLikeSerenity.”

A vigil was set up outside Gateway Elementary School, where community members placed stuffed animals in Serenity’s memory. Her funeral service was held Wednesday afternoon at First Baptist Church in Borger.

Those wishing to donate can visit the GoFundMe campaign titled “Support for the Campos Family.” The Borger Police Department asks the public to keep Serenity’s family in their thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult time.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Community rallies for family mourning Borger student girl’s death