‘She was our sunshine’: Grieving family of child killed in Salt Lake City driveway crash asks for community support

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Family is grieving the loss of a child who was killed Thursday by a slow-moving vehicle in a driveway in Salt Lake City, and they have turned to the community for support.

In a GoFundMe campaign organized by a family member, the child was identified as 1-year-old Jenelle Gonsalez.

“She was our sunshine, full of love, laughter, and innocence. No parent is ever prepared to say goodbye to their baby, and we are devastated,” Jacquelyn Martinez, sister-in-law to Jenelle’s parents and organizer of the GoFundMe, wrote.

The family is requesting assistance with covering the cost of funeral and burial services for Jenelle. Martinez wrote that money donated would help “give Jenelle the beautiful and peaceful farewell she deserves.”

Jenelle was hit by a slow-moving SUV in a driveway near 350 E Wilson Avenue in the evening on Thursday. Lifesaving measures were performed at the scene, and she was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where she later died.

According to police, the driver was related to Jenelle, and he remained on the scene following the crash and has been cooperating with officers.

Brent Weisberg, Salt Lake City Police Department, said that this was a “horrible accident” and there is no foul play currently suspected.