A family has been urging drivers to be careful and aware of their surroundings after a five-year-old girl was killed in a crash in Rutherford County.
Yaretzi Gutierrez died from severe injuries Friday morning after her family was involved in a wreck on Interstate 24 the day before.
Officials with the Tennessee Highway Patrol said a driver failed to see the family's van in the next lane and struck the side. The van left the road, drove into a ditch, overturned, and hit several trees.
"The impact was so hard, it threw us across the road," Araceli Pizano, the victim's mother told NewsChannel 5.
Yaretzi's older and younger sisters and father were also in the van.
She was stuck in the backseat and lost oxygen, according to the family. THP first released that she was killed but paramedics revived her through CPR at the scene.
"The doctors told me that she wasn't going to make it and was put on life support," Pizano said.
Pizano said her daughter suffered a punctured lung and damage to the liver and spine. She showed signs of improvement which surprised doctors throughout the night.
Yaretizi's aunt, Angela Pizano, drove all the way from Houston to visit her and show support to the family. When she arrived to the hospital by Friday morning, she received the news that her niece had died.
"Everyone's pretty much devastated," Angela said. "We were all praying, from Houston to Laredo and Tennessee."
The family described Yaretzi as a joyful girl who loved to talk to people. They said she was charismatic and always brightened people's day.
Her favorite day was Sunday because that meant she was able to go to church. The family said they have been getting through the loss because of their strong faith in God.
"She wanted to make a difference in the world and would always pray for the people that were sick," Angela added. "She's an angel that God allowed to be here."
Thomas Rogers, the 57-year-old driver, was not injured. He has been charged with improper passing and due care. More charges were pending, according to reports.
The family asked for people to stay cautious on the roads. Pizano also urged parents to give their children quality time.
"In a split second, driving distracted can create so much pain and hurt for a family," Angela tearfully said. "Nobody has to lose a child like this."
A family friend has set up a gofundme account to help the family with funeral costs. If you'd like to help, click on this link.
