GoFundMe reaches $25K for family of girl killed by semitruck in less than 24 hours

WARRICK CO., Ind. (WFIE/Gray News) - Hundreds of people have stepped up to help an Indiana family in the midst of tragedy.

The family’s pastor, Stephen Russ, started a GoFundMe for the Lowery family late Wednesday afternoon after 12-year-old Allison Lowery lost her life in a crash with a semitruck.

By early Thursday afternoon, it had already surpassed $25,000.

“One of the things that we have been very comforted by is that they are taking comfort in the fact that their daughter knew the Lord,” Stephen Russ, pastor at Faithway Baptist Church, said. “That’s the very first thing that her father said to me as soon as I got to their house. But even beyond that, we’re taking comfort in the reality that our community has shown up for these people.”

Warrick County Sheriff Mike Wilder says Allison was trying to cross the street at Sharon Road and State Route 66 when she was hit by a semi on Tuesday evening.

The sheriff said evidence at the scene indicated the truck driver had a green light and tried to brake before the collision.

According to Wilder, Allison attended a middle school in the area.

He said it was a tragic accident for everyone involved, including first responders and witnesses.

According to Russ, he set up the fundraiser to give Allison the farewell she deserves.

“To know that there are hundreds of people in this community who have supported, stepped in, stepped up and said, ‘We’re gonna help,’ it’s invaluable to them right now,” he said.

Russ says every penny donated will go directly to the family.

“Up to the very last day of her [Allison’s] life, she was a happy, positive, joyful person. And we’re all gonna miss her very much,” he said.

There will be a celebration of life for Allison on Sept. 30 at Boone Funeral Home from noon to 6 p.m. local time, which will be open to the public.