'The death of a child is the most difficult:' Family, friends remember 5-year-old Khloe Fennell, killed in Durham shooting

Friends and family gathered Friday afternoon to say their goodbyes to 5-year-old Khloe Fennell, who was shot and killed earlier this month.

The funeral service and visitation was held at Immanuel Temple Church in Durham. Khloe rested in a bright pink casket with a Minnie Mouse plush by her side. Even the event programs, which were printed in yellow, pink and blue, sparkled as a tribute to Khloe's beauty and positivity.

The funeral was livestreamed on WRAL.com.

"The death of a child is the most difficult," the pastor who led the service said.

"Khloe was only 5 years of age, with the majority of her life in front of her ... She was just getting started."

Multiple family members and loved ones spoke, including Khloe's aunt.

The woman spoke for the family, saying "we don't have answers of why you aren't here anymore," adding the child's death left an "enormous impact."

Khloe was shot and killed July 5.

Family members at the funeral also spoke aboutKhloe's cousin, 15-year-old Destiny Sidberry, who covered Khloe with her body when the shooting began.

"Destiny jumped in front of the gun and got hit with multiple bullets," said Francine Gray, a friend of Brittany Dash, Khloe's mom. "Khloe got hit with one that went through Destiny. By the time the officers arrived, Khloe was down. Destiny was struggling but she said, 'We've been shot,' and she also said, 'Tell Brittany I tried.'"

Gray described Destiny, who was shot multiple times but in stable condition after undergoing surgery, as a "strong, brave individual."

More than 100 people gathered in Durham earlier this month to release balloons in honor of Khloe. Durham Mayor Elaine O'Neal, Sen. Mike Woodard and Durham County Commissioner Brenda Howerton were in attendance.

Khloe's family and friends said she was a bright and cheerful child who could brighten up any room. They said they're heartbroken by her loss.

GoFundMe started to help cover funeral costs

A GoFundMe was started to help Dash cover the cost of her daughter's funeral.

The fundraiser is also raising money to help Dash move to a new home.

"Living in that house her dad passed [away] in, and now her child, may hold too many memories," Dash's friend wrote.

The family friend described Dash as an amazing person who has been through a lot, writing, "Brittany was always a kind and caring soul. If you ever needed her, she was there. She would open her doors to family and friends if you needed a place to stay."

The friend said Dash lost her mother six years ago and her father on Easter Sunday. Now, her daughter, "the last person she had left on this earth," is also gone.

Loved ones wrote, "Khloe was funny, loved to dance, enjoyed being in the water and could light up the darkest room.”

Khloe and Destiny are the 22nd and 23rd victims of gun violence under the age of 18 so far in Durham this year.

According to data obtained by WRAL News in June, of the 78 people shot in Durham since the start of the year, roughly 20 have been under the age of 18.