Candlelight vigil for California family killed in Austin
It's been almost a month since an alleged drunk driving crash on U.S. 183 that killed three members of a California family. The only survivor was a 10-year-old girl.
A witness, who stood by her side that day, is now on a mission to make sure the child knows she's not alone. A candlelight vigil is being planned this weekend to honor the family members who died.
"I was just hugging her. All I could do is hug her; I didn't want to let her go," says Hannah Johnson, witness.
Hannah Johnson says she spent about fifteen minutes with 10-year-old Kiera, the only family member who survived a car crash in Austin. But, those fifteen minutes will last with Johnson forever.
"On my side, I can definitely say that I feel connected to her. She may not even know who I am or remember me, but I can't imagine losing almost all my family all at once. She was such a beautiful girl. If you've seen the pictures of her mom, she definitely looks like her mom. From what I've seen in those 10-15 minutes, she has to be just as strong as her dad," says Johnson.
The Latulippe family was visiting Austin from California. On November 11 they were driving on U.S. 183 when an alleged drunk driver crashed into a cable barrier and hit their car head on. Johnson was just a few cars behind.
"We ran over there and Kiera, the 10-year-old daughter, was sitting to the left side. I just immediately ran to her, like mother instincts just kicked in, and I ran to her," says Johnson.
Kiera's mother Nancy and brother Jackson both died on scene. Her father Scott later died in the hospital.
"You can only imagine anybody in that situation, how they would be. I mean she was upset; she was crying. She was a very, very bright little girl. She knew exactly what was going on," says Johnson.
Now Johnson is on a mission to make sure this little girl never feels alone. She's planned a candlelight vigil this Saturday at Mueller Lake Park to honor the Latulippe family. For Christmas, she's sending Kiera a stuffed elephant with a guardian angel necklace.
"I really want her to know that there are people down here praying for her and wanting to stand by her side and help her."
Kiera is currently being taken care of by her uncle.
The vigil will be this Saturday, December 9th, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. It will take place at Mueller Lake Park: 4550 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78723.
To sign up to attend the event click here