NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Funeral arrangements have been announced for a Franklin native who was killed in a hit-and-run in Florida.
Ellie Sims' funeral will happen May 25, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brentwood at 10 a.m. More details are to come.
A memorial sits by the crosswalk where Sims — a Florida State University student — was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in Tallahassee. Police later arrested an 18-year-old.
Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for improved safety measures where Ellie died.
Ellie grew up in Franklin. Katie Hill, the principal of Page High School issued a statement:
“The Page High family is deeply saddened to hear of Ellie’s passing, and we extend our deepest sympathy to her family," said Katie Hill, principal of Page High School. "Ellie will be greatly missed by her teachers, coaches, teammates, peers and all who knew and loved her, and we will remember her for her sweet smile, her kind spirit and her compassion for all.”
Her sorority posted about a scholarship fund to honor her memory:
To help her family during this time, there's a GoFundMe page.
There are still so many families in East Tennessee hurting following the floods from Hurricane Helene in September. That made this year's running of the Santa Train extra special for many families in the northeast part of the state. This special Santa Express has been making an annual run in part of Appalachia for over 80 years.
-Lelan Statom
