GoFundMe set up for family of 11-year-old killed in Raleigh Christmas Parade

A GoFundMe is active and taking donations in honor of 11-year old Hailey Brooks.

Brooks was killed last weekend when an out of control truck struck her during the Raleigh Christmas parade.

WRAL News has vetted the legitimacy of the GoFundMe through the attorney for Brook's family. They said it is a legitimate page set up through a family friend.

That friend told WRAL News she hopes the page will generate enough donations to support Hailey's family and will help them establish a non-profit organization in remembrance the girl.

Brooks family issued a statement Tuesday, speaking publicly for the first time since the crash saying:

“Hailey’s tragic death has left our family heartbroken and in shock. She had a kind and humble heart that was always focused on caring for the needs of those around her. Even in her final hours, Hailey showed her loving and giving spirit to the younger children who were with her in the parade.

“We greatly appreciate the love and support that the community has shown us, and we plan to share more about Hailey’s special life soon. At this time, we ask that the media respect our family’s need for privacy while we grieve the loss of our dear Hailey.”

On Tuesday, WRAL News learned Brooks was the oldest of three siblings.

The director of Carolina Charter Academy said Brooks was a fourth-grade student there last year. It is not clear what school she was attending this year.

"She is not a current student at CCA. However, once a Cardinal always a Cardinal, and we know many of your children may have known Hailey and been impacted by her passing," a letter to parents read.

WRAL News also learned Brooks used to dance at Main Street Studio in Fuquay-Varina. A post shows she loved steak, and her favorite style of dance was clogging