SHALER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The Shaler Township community continues to remember a 6-year-old girl who police said was hit and killed by a drunken driver Saturday.
On Friday, funeral services were held for Ava Campbell. Afterward, people gathered at the Bauerstown Volunteer Fire Hall for a balloon release.
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“She loved balloons, and that was our way of sending her up in heaven. That's what she loved,” said Dave Campbell, Ava’s father.
A fire truck at the Bauerstown Volunteer Fire Department, where Dave Campbell serves as chief, was adorned with flowers and a picture of Ava wearing her dad’s helmet.
“She just brought joy and happiness to everybody and made everyone smile. I'm sure if you've seen any pictures of her, she was always smiling, and it was just a wonderful six years to have her on this Earth,” said Dave Campbell.
Students in the Shaler Area School District remembered Ava Friday night with a moment of silence and a balloon release, as well as a 50/50 raffle to collect funds, at the high school football game.
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"We want to thank everybody for everything they've done for us, all the kind words and fundraising. We just can't express our gratitude enough in this time of aching,” said Amber Campbell, Ava’s mother.
Dave Campbell said support has come from all over.
“From Ireland to Alaska, the support we've had is so emotional. Just so emotional, overwhelming,” he said.
Fundraisers continued for Ava’s family throughout the weekend, including one at Romp ‘N Roll skating rink in Shaler.
Dan Kochman, the general manager of Romp ‘N Roll, does not know the Campbell personally, but said he felt compelled to do what he could to help.
“We wanted to get everyone together to at least ease their burden as much as we could,” Kochman said.
The Campbell family said Sunday they continue to be appreciative of the support.
"All of the fundraisers the people everyone stopping the donation the food the inboxes on Facebook... it really keeps us going,” said Amber Campbell.
Police said the 20-year-old driver who hit Ava, Travis Grayson, admitted to drinking beer and smoking marijuana before getting behind the wheel. He remained in jail Friday.
WPXI
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