Outpouring Of Support Continues For Enfield Girl Killed Sunday

ENFIELD, CT — As a groundswell of support continues for the family and friends of a 14-year-old Enfield High School student struck and killed by a distracted driver Sunday, her family has issued its first public statement since the tragedy took place.

Jaylene Gonzalez, a freshman member of the school's soccer team, was walking with a friend on the side of Route 140 in East Windsor Sunday afternoon when she was struck by a pickup truck. She later died at an area hospital.

The truck operator, who admitted to police he had been sending and receiving text messages while driving, faces a litany of charges, including manslaughter and negligent homicide with a motor vehicle.

A GoFundMe account set up Monday to assist Jaylene's family with unexpected funeral expenses had a goal of $30,000, but surpassed that in less than a day. As of Tuesday afternoon, a total of $36,022 had been raised.

On social media Tuesday, Jaylene's mom Karla posted a video of her daughter scoring a goal during an Enfield soccer game last fall. She wrote:

"I am not sure where to start ... but I feel the best place is THANK YOU. My family has not lived in this area that long and the amount of love and support your families and children have showed for our daughter is beyond belief. The school and district staff have been more like concerned family than staff members. Jaylene was terrified to start school here after moving from Florida, but she was welcomed by so many. She loved playing soccer for Enfield; the team made this place a home for her. I know our family has been quiet through all of this, but we are just having such a hard time. All the kind words and gestures from y'all have made things brighter. Thank you to every student, staff and family that has reached out."