The late Carolina “Nina” Oliva was a vibrant 16-year-old from Wisconsin Rapids. On the night of May 21st, a tornado watch and power outage led to a tragic accident in her family’s home. Her two younger sisters had lit candles and fallen asleep, which resulted in a devastating fire. Despite the efforts of her father, Mr. Oliva, and her brother Toño, they were unable to save Carolina from the overwhelming smoke and flames. She passed away alongside her beloved puppy Chico.
Nina was described as a happy, energetic, smart, and hardworking young girl. She was looking forward to the summer, saving up for her first car, and spending time with her best friend, siblings, and family. Her family had recently endured the loss of their mother, Doña Rosa, to pneumonia, and they were relying on the strength of their church, family, and friends.
A fundraiser has been organized by Valeria Melendez on behalf of Nina’s sister, Elis Gonzalez, to support the family through this unimaginable loss. As of today, the fundraiser has raised $885 of its $40,000 goal from 19 donations. The funds aim to provide the Oliva-Gonzalez family with a new home and stability as the children finish the school year.
The community has shown an outpouring of support. Amanda Dolph shared her sorrow on Facebook, stating, "My heart is broken for her friends and family. No amount of money makes this better, but this family lost everything. Donate if you can, but please share." Nicki Kastner Williams echoed this sentiment, saying, "My heart is absolutely broken for her friends and family." Liz Lee simply remarked, "This is heartbreaking."
The family is collecting monetary donations and clothing items at La Taqueria-Wisconsin Rapids and La Taqueria-Wausau. The fundraiser and community efforts are a testament to the love and support surrounding the Oliva-Gonzalez family during this difficult time. Carolina “Nina” Oliva will always be remembered for her huge, contagious smile and the joy she brought to those around her.
Note:This post was written and edited by Isabella Gonzalez, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.