Deerfield Beach, FL — A family is mourning the death of 4-year-old Christine after a rollover crash Saturday night, while two of her young cousins, ages 7 and 8, remain in medically induced comas as they continue receiving treatment.

Family members and friends gathered at a park in Coconut Creek for a vigil honoring Christine, remembering the young girl for the happiness she brought to those around her.

The crash happened on West Hillsboro Boulevard when a driver attempting to make a U-turn was struck by an 18-year-old motorcyclist, causing the vehicle to flip, according to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.

The 18-year-old motorcyclist also died in the crash. Four family members who were inside the vehicle remained hospitalized following the collision.

Brother remembers Christine’s joyful spirit

During the vigil, Christine’s brother, Jake Varela, spoke about his sister and the impact she had on the people around her.

He said Christine regularly focused on making other people happy and would wake up thinking about how she could bring smiles and laughter to those around her.

“Every day she woke up and was always like I want to make somebody else smile today. I want to wake up and make somebody laugh, have joy,” Varela said.

For the family, the vigil was not only an opportunity to mourn Christine but also to surround the two surviving children with love and support as they remain hospitalized.

Christine’s cousins, ages 7 and 8, are being treated at Broward Health Medical Center, where they have remained in medically induced comas since the crash.

Family waits beside hospitalized children

The children’s family has spent days at the hospital following the devastating collision. Varela said relatives are continuing to support one another while doctors care for the two children.

“They are pushing through, and we are trying to bring as much love and support to them,” Varela said.

The family is also dealing with injuries suffered by other relatives who were inside the vehicle. Varela said his father was able to get out of the overturned car and helped remove other family members following the crash.

“He pulled everybody out of that car. He did everything he could. My dad was really a hero out of all of this,” Varela said.

Varela’s father has since been released from the hospital, but his mother remains hospitalized with broken bones, he said.

911 calls reveal moments after crash

The day of the vigil also brought the release of 911 calls made shortly after the collision. In the emergency calls, bystanders described the chaotic scene and expressed concern that people inside the overturned vehicle had died.

“I think somebody is dead here; somebody is dead,” one caller said.

The calls provided a glimpse into the confusion and urgency that followed the crash as people at the scene attempted to respond to the victims. Meanwhile, the family continues to face significant emotional and financial challenges following the tragedy.

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Family raises money for funeral and medical costs

Relatives are raising money to help cover Christine’s funeral expenses and mounting medical bills connected to the crash.

While the family grieves the loss of the 4-year-old, they are also focused on the recovery of her two young cousins, who remain in medically induced comas.

Varela said he wants people to remember Christine for the life she lived and the happiness she brought to others rather than focusing only on the circumstances of her death.

“I don’t want anyone to be upset that she’s gone. I want everyone to know and be happy that she was here and she was able to live life,” he said.

For Christine’s loved ones, the vigil became a moment to celebrate the little girl’s life while standing together during an extraordinarily difficult time.

Her two cousins continue to receive treatment at Broward Health Medical Center, as their family waits and hopes for progress in their recovery.

What message would you share with Christine’s family and the two children still fighting to recover? Share your thoughts in the comments.