The late Zayden Alex Francis, aged 4, tragically passed away after being struck by a vehicle in his apartment complex on May 21. Zayden, who was under the guardianship of his grandmother Denise, had left his apartment unsupervised and was attempting to cross the street to a nearby park when the incident occurred. He was hit multiple times by an elderly driver, leading to severe injuries that ultimately resulted in his death after the family made the heart-wrenching decision to take him off life support.
Sabrina Ortiz, Zayden’s aunt, has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the funeral expenses, with a goal of $6,000. The fundraiser seeks to provide Zayden with a beautiful farewell, and Sabrina, along with her siblings, is appealing for donations to support this cause.
The community and those who knew Zayden have expressed their condolences and shared memories on social media. Lucy N Gilbert reminisced, "He was such a wonderful little boy he would dance like Michael Jackson. He would make us laugh. He is going to be missed, rest in peace baby." Carolyn Benner Slater also commented, "So sad may he rest in peace in Jesus’ arms."
The incident has sparked discussions and emotional responses online. Helena Ryu questioned the whereabouts of the parents, prompting Maxii Dfwy to clarify, "MY MOTHER (His Grandma) has custody of him. Have a little respect & he wasn’t unsupervised!"
The community has shown solidarity, with Catalino Jacinto noting the dangerous conditions at the apartment complex and offering condolences, "On behalf of my family, I am so sorry, he really was an adorable boy and as a local of this neighborhood I hope you receive justice."
This tragic accident has deeply affected everyone involved and highlights the vulnerabilities children face even in familiar environments. The family’s fundraiser is a testament to their love and dedication, seeking to honor Zayden’s memory with the dignity he deserves.
Note:This post was written and edited by Grace Jackson, 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.