LAKE JACKSON, Texas – A family is mourning the loss of a 5-year-old girl who investigators said was hit and killed in a grocery store parking lot in Lake Jackson on Saturday.
The family said the girl's name was Vanessa Clifton.
On Sunday, community members released pink balloons in the parking lot where she was hit and killed. People left flowers, teddy bears and balloons near where it happened.
Her parents said Vanessa or "Rae Rae," as they called her had a beautiful spirit, loved the outdoors and enjoyed looking for new adventures.
"As parents, we are never prepared for such a loss. We are just taking it minute by minute, holding our faith and staying strong for her surviving sibling Madison. She was brought up in church, rich in love and has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love," her mother Nancy McCraven said.
"I couldn't even imagine what the family is going through right now," said Carla Rodriguez who lives nearby.
Rodriguez and her three daughters rode their bikes past the memorial Monday and said everyone should be careful around children to prevent another tragedy like this one.
?"Just appreciate them every day, every second, every minute of every day. You never know when something terrible like this is going to happen," said Rodriguez.
The family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Vanessa's funeral.
Police were investigating. No charges have been filed against the 74-year-old driver who hit the child.