Girl, 16, Dies After Fainting At Carnival; Family Needs Help

EAST HAMPTON, NY — The East Hampton community is reeling after the sudden death this week of a 16-year old who'd been out enjoying a carefree summer night at the carnival when tragedy struck.

According to a GoFundMe, "RIP Erika Bueno," created by Familia Bueno, Erika Bueno, a student at East Hampton High School, died on Monday.

"She was at the carnival Friday night with her family; she decided to go on a ride with one of her friends," the page said. "During the ride she fainted and wasn’t able breathe."

Police, EMTs, and the Bridgehampton Fire Department worked tirelessly to try to save the teen, who was transported to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, and then, to Stony Brook University Hospital.

"The doctors ran tests and tried all they could to save her life, but sadly, there wasn’t much they could do. The doctor notified the family that her brain wasn’t functioning and that she'd had brain death," the page said. "The only way for her to breathe was by the help of some machines. Now we are trying to give our last good-byes with a beautiful funeral service. Any donations would help her family out so much to make this funeral service very special for her," the page said.

Hearts were also broken at Erika's high school. "Erika was a bright light here at East Hampton High School. She was a shining example of a good student and, even more important, an excellent person. She was taken from us way too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends," said East Hampton High School Principal Adam Fine.

Visitation will be held Friday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Yardley & Pino Funeral Home, located at 94 Pantigo Rd. in East Hampton. A funeral service will take place Saturday at 11 a.m. at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, located at 57 Buell Ln. in East Hampton, with a burial service following at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery.

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

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