Community rallies behind family of girl killed outside school
Community members are coming together to help the family of the 4-year-old killed Friday when she was hit by a Columbia police cruiser at Battle High School.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating how Gabriella Curry was struck by an SUV police cruiser outside Battle High School as she was walking on the sidewalk. Columbia Police Department Officer Andria Heese, who was driving the vehicle, is on leave per department policy.
Carrie Grimes is a friend of the Curry family. She put together a meal train signup to help the Curry family with dinners. When a person signs up for a date, they are asked to bring the meal to the drop-off location between 4 and 6 p.m.
There are 11 spots filled throughout January and February.
Grimes said the family still has three children to feed and Grimes wants to help in any way she can.
“My heart is broken and I can only imagine being the parent in this situation,” she said.
Grimes also hopes to give the children gifts to help ease the pain.
“We just want to give them a great day to try and help keep their mind off of missing their sister.”
But Grimes is not the only community member trying to help.
Oakland Middle School teacher Danielle Johnson said both of Gabriella Curry’s parents drive buses that take Oakland students to and from school every day.
“Oakland has always been known as one big family, and we consider everyone connected to it a part of us,” Johnson said.
The school will be hosting a silent auction and a raffle during the annual eighth grade boys’ basketball tournament Jan. 22-25.
Johnson said the proceeds will go towards Curry’s funeral expenses.
Reed Hickam, a ride leader with the CentralMo HonorFlight Riders and state coordinator at Warriors’ Watch Riders, said on Facebook that he wants to put together a motorcycle escort for Gabriella’s “final ride” on the day of her funeral. His post said it is a personal request from the family.
“I am asking any riders that may please spread the work and try to get some bike riders together for this awful thing that has happened to this child,” the post said.
Despite not knowing the family, he said he wants “as many riders as possible” to participate.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday.
