The Brief
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Elienisse Zoe Diaz Rodriguez, 7, has died after a tragic drag racing accident, according to officials with Orlando Speed World.
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A verified GoFundMe page has been set up on behalf of Elienisse’s family.
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According to page, Elienisse fought for her life for two days before doctors confirmed her brain death.
ORLANDO, Fla. – A 7-year-old girl has died after a tragic drag racing accident, according to officials with the Orlando Speed World.
According to a verified GoFundMe page set up on behalf of the family of the child, Elienisse Zoe Diaz Rodriguez fought for her life for two days before doctors confirmed her brain death.
Elienisse, 7, has died after a tragic drag racing accident, according to officials with the Orlando Speed World Dragway. (Credit: Orlando Speed World Dragway)
‘Tragic incident’
The backstory
Officials with Orange County Fire Rescue said they responded to 911 reports of an incident between a car and a person around 11:20 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, at Orlando Speed World.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Rodriguez lost control of her Junior Dragster Racecar while racing on Sunday. As a result, she hit a safety guide employee and then struck a concrete wall. The safety guide employee, a 34-year-old Orlando man, was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Rodriguez was transported to Arnold Palmer Hospital, where she died on Wednesday.
Who was Elienisse Zoe Diaz Rodriguez?
According to a GoFundMe page, the young girl was racing in the hope of fulfilling her dream of being a junior dragster.
Faculty and staff have confirmed Rodriguez was a first-grade student that attended Eastland Christian School off Lake Underhill Road in Orlando.
What is Orlando Speed World?
Orlando Speed World, located in Orange County, is a longtime destination for the Orlando World Street Nationals, drag racing and other events.
The track is located at 19164 East Colonial Drive, Orlando.
What they’re saying
“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news that our beloved first-grade student, Elienisse Diaz, passed away last night at 10:54 p.m,” Eastland Christian School officials said in a statement. “She was a bright light in our school community, and we are thankful for the time we had with her. Her beautiful smile will be deeply missed by all of us.”
School officials said their hearts go out to Elienisse’s family during this time.
“We ask that you join us in lifting them up in prayer and support,” the statement says. “May we surround them with love and comfort as they navigate through this unimaginable loss.”
School officials said they are providing services for anyone in need of grief support.
“We will hold Elienisse’s memory close to our hearts,” the statement continues. “Thank you for your understanding and support as we come together to mourn this loss and remember the joy she brought to all of us.”
“We are deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident that took place at Orland Speed World Dragway on Sunday,” Orlando Speed World wrote in a Facebook post. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Elienisse’s family and all those affected, including our racing community. Motor sports (are) built on passion, but moments like these remind us of the risks that come with what we love. While injuries can heal, the pain of loss is immeasurable. We stand together in support, mourning and prayer during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to those grieving and will continue to uplift them in our thoughts.”
What you can do
The GoFundMe set up on behalf of Elienisse’s family can be found here.
As of Thursday morning, more than $20,000 has been raised from the $30,000 goal set on the page.
“We created this GoFundMe to commemorate the life of our beautiful princess,” the GoFundMe says. “All funds collected will be used directly to cover funeral costs and celebrate her life. In these difficult times, all kinds of contributions will be welcomed. We appreciate any help.”
What we don’t know
The FOX 35 News team has reached out to officials to find out more information as to how the incident occurred.
This is a developing story. Check back soon for more details.
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The Source
This story was written based on information shared by Orlando Speed World, Orange County Fire Rescue and a verified GoFundMe account set up on behalf of Elienisse’s family.
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