Fund Started To Defray Funeral Costs For Family Of 3-Year-Old

LAND O' LAKES, FL -- She was fun-loving, affectionate and had a contagious smile, said Meagan Gross, describing the 3-year-old daughter of her best friend, Kasey Clark.

Gross still can't believe she'll never see that smile again.

On Wednesday, Remington Lily Solano, better known as "Remi," was outside her grandmother's house on Torvest Court, a dead-end street in the quiet Suncoast Meadows subdivision, playing with her older brother and several neighborhood kids.

At about 6:35 p.m., the preschooler began pedaling her bicycle east in the 17000 block of Torvest Court at the same time neighbor Maged M. Yacoub, accompanied by his 9-year-old daughter, began backing his Nissan SUV out of his driveway.

Troopers said Yacoub didn't see the little girl on her tricycle until it was too late.

See related story: 3-Year-Old Riding Trike Killed By SUV In Land O' Lakes

Remi was flown by medical helicopter to St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in critical condition. The Florida Highway Patrol announced at 1:44 a.m. that attempts to save the 3-year-old's life failed.

"She lit up any room she was in," said Gross. "She could make anyone smile."

Gross said the entire family is devastated by the little girl's death.

"This has been very hard on Remi's brothers, parents, grandparents and aunts who were all a major part of her life," said Gross. "While there is nothing that can bring back their beautiful baby girl, the last thing they should be worried or stressed about should be the financial burden of this tragedy."

To help relieve that burden, Gross has started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family with medical expenses and the cost of the funeral. She hopes to raise at least $10,000.

"All funds from this Gofundme campaign will go directly to Genevieve Clark, Remi's grandmother, who is handling the funeral arrangements for Remi's parents, Kasey Danielle Clark and Casey Solan0," said Gross.

At the time of the accident, Remi and her family were living with Genevieve Clark.

Things were going well for the young family before Wednesday's tragic accident.

Kasey Clark and Remi's father, Casey Solano, had just announced their engagement on May 17.

Kasey Clark was studying political science and pre-law at the University of South Florida. Casey Solano, a 2000 graduate of Sickles High School, attended Hillsborough Community College before becoming a full-time employee at Flooring America.

They were looking forward to their life together with their two children, said friends.

In addition to the GoFundMe campaign, friend Beth Ely is arranging meals for the family through the Take Them a Meal website. Neighbors and friends wishing to help can sign up on the site.

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