The 7-year-old girl died Tuesday night after a racing accident at Orlando Speed World Drugway, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
According to an FHP spokesperson, Elienis Zoe Diaz Rodriguez passed away after being taken to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital on Sunday for her child.
Set up on behalf of the family to cover funeral costs, GoFundMe raised more than $26,000 of its $30,000 target as of Friday morning.
“She realized her dream of driving a junior drug star. After two days of fighting for her life, the doctor confirmed her brain death,” Page said. “We created this Go Fund Me to commemorate the life of our beautiful princess.”
FHP said Diaz Rodriguez was racing around 11am on Sunday. She attacked a 34-year-old Speedworld employee before hitting a concrete wall. FHP said the employee was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with a life-threatening injury.
A full night was held for Elienis outside her hospital on Tuesday night, according to a Facebook post. According to another post, the car competition will be held at 1400 E. Vine St. in Kissimmee on Saturday at 9pm.
Orlando Speed World Dragway has issued its own statement on Facebook.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Elienis’ family and all the people affected, including our racing community,” it said. “Motorsport is based on passion, but moments like these remind us of the risks that come with what we love.”
She is a first-year student at Eastland Christian School in Orlando and encouraged prayers for her family on her Facebook page.
“She was a bright light in our school community and we are grateful for the time we were with her,” Post said. “Her beautiful smile will all be deeply overlooked by us.”
