3 days ago
Community raises more than $94,000 after 4yo Lua Valles-Garcia killed by falling palm tree in suburban Darwin
Community members have rallied around the family of a four-year-old girl who was killed by a falling palm tree in Darwin, with more than $94,000 donated to help them navigate "this time of profound grief".
Lua Valles-Garcia was struck by the tree while playing in a yard in Tiwi, in the city's north, and died while being rushed to hospital on Saturday afternoon.
The palm tree also struck an 11-year-old boy, who NT Police said sustained "non-life-threatening injuries".
The four-year-old and her brother had been students at Milkwood Steiner School, where their mother, Soraya Valles-Garcia, worked as a year 1 teacher.
Milkwood Steiner School principal Netanela Mizrahi launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Lua's family in the wake of the "tragic accident".
"Funds raised here will support Soraya, Borja and Rio financially at this impossibly difficult time, to help them to be with family in Spain and for funeral arrangements."
More than 660 donations have been made in less than a week, some people gifting as much as $2,000 each.
Ms Mizrahi thanked "our loving community for your generosity", with 86 per cent of the $110,000 fundraising goal achieved as of Friday afternoon.
"Nothing can change the devastating news, but every bit helps this family to be where they need to be at this time of profound grief," she said.
"May her beautiful soul rest in peace and her family be surrounded by love, healing and care in this difficult time ahead.
Alice Springs Steiner School also expressed sympathies and support for its "fellow Steiner School family", and said "in times of sorrow, the strength and compassion of our community shines brightest".
In a social media post, the school said Lua's parents "wish to return to their homeland of Spain to be with extended family as they grieve and begin to heal".
