By WJBC Staff
PEKIN – A 8-year-old girl shot in the throat will be an organ donor, according to her school’s principal who is keeping close contact with the family. Her birthday is Tuesday.
The tragedy has devastated the young girl’s community. Neighbors and friends posted and wrote on a sign outside of the girl’s home that reads, “Good bye to my best friend, Haylee.”
Haylee Garrison remains on life support as of Monday afternoon, according to a neighbor close to the family. She was admitted to OSF St. Francis Medical Center late Friday night after being shot in the neck by a relative. Pekin police say an investigation is ongoing, but authorities believe her cousin — who is also a juvenile — shot her accidentally. Garrison was not breathing when officers arrived at the home in the 1800 block of Victoria in Pekin.
Illinois State Police and Pekin Police are looking into the incident.
Neighbor Brandie Stranz and her daughter Madilyn say Haylee is known as a sweet girl who loves being around her friends. Madilyn and Haylee rode together to Starke Primary School, where both are enrolled as third grade students. Stranz says the 8-year-old will always be known for playing outside with toys and having a good time.
According to Starke Primary School principal Matt Green, the school will provide additional counselors when classes resume next week. The district is currently on spring break. Comfort dogs will also be available for students, if needed. Green says the response and support from the community has been ‘overwhelming.’
The family will host a private balloon release on Tuesday, according to Green.
The community is coming together to support Garrison’s family. Neighbors say a Gofundme page will be created, and a local church will host a bake sale.
Stranz says they are also seeking help in providing meals for the family. If anyone would like to help, contact Stranz at (502) 612-2941.
