Elienisse Zoe Díaz Rodriguez.Photo:Good Life Funeral Home
Good Life Funeral Home
A 7-year-old girl has died while fulfilling her dream of driving a junior dragtser.
According to aGoFundMepage posted on behalf of the girl’s family, 7-year-old Elienisse Zoe Díaz Rodriguez was involved in a vehicle accident while racing on Sunday, Feb. 2.
“After fighting for her life for 2 days, the doctors confirmed her brain death at 10:54 p.m., February 4, 2025,” the description wrote.
“A pediatric patient was transported as a trauma alert to Arnold Palmer Hospital and another patient was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, ALS (Advanced Life Support),” the statement read. “A third patient was also transported to Advent Health East with non-life-threatening injuries.”
The Florida Highway Patrol also told PEOPLE that Rodriguez lost control of her vehicle while drag racing, which resulted in her Junior Dragster hitting a safety guide employee before striking a concrete wall.
PerFox 35, the safety guide employee — a34-year-old male from Orlando — was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The 7-year-old female was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital. On February 4, 2025, she was pronounced deceased.
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A stock image of an ambulance.MattGush/Getty
MattGush/Getty
The employee, a man from Orlando, was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Rodriguez was also taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital, where she later passed away.
According to theThe Independent, junior dragsters can reach up to 85 mph.
Expressing their condolences, Orlando Speed World gave a heartfeltstatement on Facebook.
“Motorsports is built on passion, but moments like these remind us of the risks that come with what we love,” they added.
“While injuries can heal, the pain of loss is immeasurable,” the statement continued. “We stand together in support, mourning, and prayer during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to those grieving and will continue to uplift them in our thoughts.”
According toFox 35, Rodriguez was a first-grade student at Eastland Christian School.
The school wrote in a statement, “We will hold Elienisse’s memory close to our hearts. Thank you for your understanding and support as we come together to mourn this loss and remember the joy she brought to all of us.”
Rodriguez’s GoFundMe page has so far raised $25,440 out of its $30,000 target.
“On behalf of Elienisse Zoe Díaz Rodriguez’s family, we created this go fund me to commemorate the life of our beautiful princess,” the page states. “All funds collected will be used directly to cover funeral costs and celebrate her life. In these difficult times, all kinds of contributions will be welcomed.”
Eastland Christian School did not immediately reply to PEOPLE’s request for information.
source: people.com