7-Year-Old California Girl Killed, 1 Week Before Her Birthday

FRESNO, CA -- A GoFundMe was underway Monday after a 7-year-old California girl was killed in a boating accident on Labor Day. The Madera County Sheriff's Office said Lily Harris and her father, Brandon Harris, were being pulled by a ski boat while inside an inner tube when they were struck by a pontoon boat.

Lily, who would've turned 8 a week later, was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Brandon Harris, 32, suffered injuries but is expected to survive, the Sheriff's Office said.

The death of Lily broke the hearts of many throughout Fresno, including her aunt Amanda Perez who created a GoFundMe to pay for funeral expenses. Perez KFSN that she fell to her knees crying when she learned of Lily's death.

"I was just screaming," Perez told the news station. "I mean she's only seven it shouldn't happen."

"I don't know how we can move on from this," Perez added. "Lily was our little angel. She lit up everyone's life."

The news hit home for Rosemary Gomez who wrote on GoFundMe that Lily was in her son's class.

"I cannot say enough how sorry I am to hear about your family's loss," Gomez wrote. "My son is in the same class as Lily and it was difficult for me to tell him what happened to her, I could only imagine how hard it is for you all who were closest to her. You are all in our prayers."

Marci Sohan wrote that she was at the lake the day of the incident. (Get Patch real-time email alerts for the latest news from your California neighborhood. Also, download the free Patch iPhone app or free Patch Android app. Also, be sure to follow your local Patch on Facebook!)

"I am so sorry for your loss," Sohan wrote. "What a horrific tragedy. I was at Bass Lake this weekend with two other families and we all have children around Lily's age. I will keep your family in my prayers."

The accident and circumstances of the collision remain under investigation, the Sherffis' Office said.

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