Vigil Set For MA Family Killed In Crash Near Disney

WHITMAN, MA — The community organized a vigil for four South Shore family members who were killed in a crash on a Florida highway near Disney World. The vigil was scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at Whitman Middle School on the soccer field.

The remembrance ceremony will honor Scarlett Smith, 5, her brother Jaxon, 11, and their mother Julie, 41, all of Whitman, as well as the kids' grandmother Josephine Fay, 76, of Weymouth, who all died in the crash.

Whitman police said heavy traffic is expected. Anyone attending is asked to enter the school through Temple Street and Corthell Avenue. Parking will be limited.

The Boston Globe said Whitman-Hanson Superintendent Jeffrey Szymaniak confirmed the family was from the district. Jackson Smith was in sixth grade, while Scarlett Smith was in a private preschool.

"This is a tragedy, and I believe I express the sentiments of all families, students and employees of the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District in saying that we mourn together during this incredibly difficult time," Szymaniak said.

The four family members were killed when the van they were in was rear-ended in Kissimmee, just south of Disney World in Orlando around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday on State Road. Two other vehicles were also involved in the crash. The drivers were not injured.

The children's father, grandfather and two other siblings — all of whom were also in the van — were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The Boston Globe reported those children are ages 5 and 10.