Three girls were killed in a crash on a highway in Kansas, authorities said. From left: Kylie Lunn, Leila El Azri, Brooklyn Pirie.
Facebook and GoFundMe Screengrabs
Three young girls died when the van they were in crashed hit south on the Kansas Turnpike, authorities said.
State troopers were called to Shawnee County near Topeka around 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, according to a crash report.
Laila El Azri, 9, Kylie Lunn, 9, and Brooklyn Pirie, 8, were found dead at the scene, officials said.
The driver had “possible injuries,” authorities said. Another 9-year-old female passenger suffered “suspected minor injuries” and a 5-year-old boy was found with “suspected serious injuries.” All occupants who survived were taken to the hospital.
Investigators said the van was traveling southbound when it “went through a barrier.” The van was then hit by a southbound truck.
“Lila was on vacation with her Girl Scout troop,” a loved one who was raising money for her family said on GoFundMe. “What was supposed to be a fun day turned into a tragedy.”
Tiffany Capri Lunn’s mother said her daughter Kylie was almost spent plays with Laila every day.
“She was my everything and I was everything to her and my heart is just broken right now,” she wrote in her Facebook post. “…I just don’t know where to go next, she was my purpose, she was my everything, I’m just lost without her.”
Amber Peary described her daughter, “Brookee,” as someone with a “heart of gold who loved everyone and everything.” She was the older sister to two siblings.
“Honestly, I don’t know how I will live without you, but I know that I must and everything I do will be with a purpose for you,” her mother wrote. “I don’t understand why the universe decided it was your time, but I know you dance over us and watch over us every day. Mom loves you such a sweet girl and all I want is to be able to hold you again.’
The Auburn-Washburn Unified School District confirmed that there were three children primary school students within the district. One of the girls was in third grade at Jay Shideler Elementary School, and the others were fourth graders at Farley Elementary School.
The district provides counseling and support to students and staff “as needed.”
The driver of the semi, from Alabama, was not injured.