Paramus Girl Still Critical Following School Bus Crash

PARAMUS, NJ — Sofia Evelich loves to sing. She enjoys acting and cheerleading. She is doing something no fifth-grader should do: Fighting for her life.

Evelich was one of the 43 people from East Brook Middle School injured in a horrific bus crash on Interstate 80 in Mount Olive last week. The bus was on its way to Waterloo Village when it collided with a dump truck. Student Miranda Faith Vargas and teacher Jennifer Williamson-Kennedy died in the crash.

Evelich is in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at a hospital near where the crash occurred. She suffered severe head trauma and is still in critical condition, her brother Ron said on a GoFundMe page created to help his sister.

"My sister is a smart, beautiful vibrant girl who is full of life. Those of you who know Sofia know how much she loves her family and her friends," Ron stated. "Sofia has a long recovery ahead of her, but she is resilient and a fighter."

Evelich's parents have remained vigilant and have been constantly with her in the hospital, Ron said.

Nearly $3,400 of a $20,000 fundraising goal has been donated to Evelich's family since the campaign went live Sunday night.

The campaign is one of several that have been started since the crash to help the victims.

More than $86,000 has been donated to Vargas' family online.

"She was a beautiful, gentle soul with a passionate love for her family," Lorena Vargas stated. "Her smile was contagious and that is how we will forever remember her."

East Brook Middle School alumni launched a campaign that has raised nearly $35,000 for the school.

Resident Ray Ferraoili, whose nephew was injured in the crash, wants to raise $100,000. He wants to help "all the families in need. He grew up with some of them and knows them personally."

"This community is a strong community and we pride ourselves on helping each other," Ferraoili. "With your help, we can ease the financial burden for these families."

Hundreds of people attended a standing-room only memorial service for the victims at Our Lady of the Visitation Sunday night.

Related:

• GoFundMe Campaign Launched To Help East Brook Middle School
• Memorial Created At East Brook Middle School Following Deaths
• Paramus Community Mourns Dedicated Teacher Killed In Crash
• Teacher, Student Confirmed Dead In Paramus Field Trip Bus Crash
• Community Starts #ParamusStrong Hashtag In Wake Of Fatal Crash

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Photo: Sofia Evelich (Courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch)