CAPE CORAL, Fla -- A community is hurting, and a family is still grieving after the loss of an 8 year old girl, Layla Aiken, who was struck by a vehicle while she was waiting for her school bus on Monday.
The stuffed animals, flowers, and a picture of the innocent little girl are wrapped around the stop sign on the intersection of NE 19th Terrace and NE 3rd Avenue in Cape Coral.
"We heard and saw everything, so please pray for us,” said Layla’s mother, Kathleen Aiken.
We know that a truck hit Layla and the driver did not stop to help, we also know police are investigating why that person hit Layla in the first place. But some people who live in the area say they’ve pinpointed the issue - speeding.
"We have to be careful cause people speed up and down this road all the time,” said Roberta Suddarth. She says she petitioned to have something done about the speeding four years ago, and she says nothing was done.
Fox 4 spoke with Lee County School officials and they say there’s never been a complaint about the bus stop on NE 19th Terrace and NE 3rd Ave. Rob Spicker, the spokesperson for the school district says they’re urging parents and children to use caution. "It’s strongly advised that parents wait at the bus stops with their children, to keep an eye on them and the traffic, we want our students to be safe,” Spicker said.
But neighbors say they’ll keep pushing for more safety measures and they’ll always remember Layla.
"Keep praying for our family, because we’re hurting, to pray for my boys who are going to have a lot to deal with in the years to come,” said Kathleen.
Layla’s family has set up a fundraiser for Layla to help with expenses on Facebook. The page is called “Love for Layla” if you would like to donate.
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