{"id":222477,"date":"2026-04-07T20:44:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T20:44:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/222477\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T20:44:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T20:44:13","slug":"community-rallies-around-apopka-family-after-4-year-olds-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/222477\/","title":{"rendered":"Community rallies around Apopka family after\u00a04-year-old\u2019s\u00a0death\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"CommunityCommunity members have rallied around the family of 4-year-old Kamaria Simmons (pictured), who died after being struck by a vehicle in an April 1 driveway crash in Apopka. <\/p>\n

Community members have rallied around the family of 4-year-old Kamaria Simmons (pictured), who died after being struck by a vehicle in an April 1 driveway crash in Apopka. Courtesy of GoFundMe\u00a0<\/p>\n

An Apopka family is receiving an outpouring of support from the local youth baseball community following the\u00a0death of a 4-year-old girl<\/a>, with a candlelight vigil and online fundraiser drawing participation from across the area.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A candlelight vigil\u00a0took place\u00a0Saturday at a residence in Apopka, bringing together family members, friends and others connected to the family.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The child,\u00a0identified\u00a0by her family as Kamaria Simmons, died after being struck by a vehicle April 1, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Troopers said the crash occurred around 7:15\u00a0p.m. at Robinson Avenue and 13th Street, when a sport utility vehicle moved forward from a private driveway and struck the child, who was standing near the vehicle. She was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital, where she was pronounced\u00a0deceased.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The driver, a 37-year-old Apopka woman, was not injured and remained at the scene. She was the child\u2019s mother, according to the FHP.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The crash is being investigated as a traffic homicide, though no charges have been filed, FHP said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

In a Friday Facebook post, the girl\u2019s father, Michael Simmons, thanked the community and announced plans for the vigil.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t fully express how much the calls, texts, and love being shown mean to our family during this time,\u201d Simmons wrote. \u201cWe are truly grateful for each and every one of you who has reached out and supported us.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis Saturday, we will be hosting a candlelight in honor of our beautiful daughter, Kamaria Simmons,\u201d he added. \u201cFamily and friends will gather to celebrate her life, her light, and the love she brought into all of our lives.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the days since the crash, community members have organized efforts to support the girl\u2019s family.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A\u00a0GoFundMe campaign created<\/a>\u00a0to\u00a0assist\u00a0with funeral costs\u00a0identifies\u00a0Simmons as a coach with Sorrento Babe Ruth youth baseball. The fundraiser, organized by Melissa Wingate on behalf of Simmons,\u00a0raised\u00a0$12,040\u00a0from 121\u00a0donors toward a $16,000 goal as of\u00a0Tuesday morning.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cAs many of you know, baseball is more than just a game\u00a0\u2013\u00a0it\u2019s a family,\u201d the fundraiser states. \u201cCoach Mike has always shown up for our players, our teams, and our community. Now\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0our turn to show up for him.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Sorrento Babe Ruth said its community was \u201cheartbroken\u201d and shared a link to the same fundraiser while offering support to the family.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ask that you please keep Coach Mike Simmons and his entire family lifted in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this unimaginable loss,\u201d the statement said. \u201cOut of respect for the family\u2019s privacy, we will not be sharing additional details.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Teresa Sargeant has been with The Apopka Chief for over 10 years.<\/p>\n

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