A family has been left devastated after their teenage daughter died five days after a bike accident that also killed her younger brother.
Karalee Shepard, 13, and Calvin Shepard, 12, were riding their bikes when they were hit by a car.
Both children were wearing helmets when they were struck by the Ford Explorer SUV.
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Calvin died at the scene, while Karalee was taken to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The driver was a 64-year-old woman who remained at the scene, police said.
An investigation is ongoing and no arrests or charges have been announced.
It happened in in Leroy Township, Michigan, on 5 September.
On Thursday, (10 Sept) the children’s mother, Raquel Roark Shepard, announced that Karalee had died from her injuries.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share that our sweet Karalee passed away peacefully from complications resulting from the accident that took her brother Calvin just five days ago.
“She was surrounded by her family and deeply loved until her final breath.
“Our hearts are broken beyond what we can put into words. We find comfort in knowing that Karalee and Calvin are together again and in the loving arms of our Savior.
“We are so grateful for every prayer, every message, and every act of love that has surrounded our family these past few days.
“Please continue to pray for our family as we begin to grieve the loss of two of our precious children.”
A funeral will be held for both children on Saturday, (12 Sept).
She said Calvin was “an amazing 12-year-old boy who approached life head-on.”
He loved soccer, basketball, swimming, volleyball and playing video games, she wrote.
She added: “But one of the most important things about Calvin was the way he treated people.
“He was a really good friend. He noticed kids who were being teased or left out, and he would stand up for them. He wanted people to feel included, valued, and loved,” she continued.
“He gave the best hugs, was generous with compliments, and wasn’t afraid to tell people how much he loved them.”
A friend of the Shepard family established a GoFundMe to support them, with money raised intended to help with personal, funeral and emergency medical costs.
As of publication, the fundraiser had surpassed its goal and raised more than £100,000, as reported by Need To Know.
It said: “We are raising money for the Shepard family of Williamston, Michigan. Cody and Raquel Shepard recently lost their 12 year old son when a car struck him and their 13 year old daughter, who is in critical condition in the hospital with a severe head injury.
“We anticipate the family will have need of relief for personal, funeral, and emergency medical costs. Any amount that you can donate to the family to help is greatly appreciated. 100% of the donations raised will go directly to the family.”
The fundraiser was organised by Chris Hilgendorf, described as a friend and secretary for the church the Shepards belong to.
Father, Cody Shepard, thanked those who had supported the family.
He said: “We are overwhelmed by the love and support being shown to our family by friends, family, and even complete strangers who have seen our tragedy and felt moved to help.
“There really are no words to express how grateful we are.
“We feel the power of your prayers sustaining us beyond what seems humanly possible to bear.”
The Michigan State Police is investigating the crash.
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