Huge Outpouring Of Love, Help For Family Of Girl Killed In Crash

GREENPORT, NY — During the darkest of hours, the North Fork community rallies like no other, coming together to help their own.

After a tragic crash took the life of a little girl in Greenport, there has been an unprecedented outpouring of love and help, with more than $36,000 raised in less than two days to help lay Amber Stulsky, 10, to rest — and huge-hearted local business owners donating a car to the mom left devastated and badly injured after the accident.

Jess Morris and Jennilee Morris, owners of North Fork Roasting Co. in Southold, said on Thursday that they would be donating a car to help Rachael Smith, 32, of Greenport, who lost her precious daughter Amber in the crash.

"Our community really has a way of coming together in a time of need. If Jennilee and I can help in anyway we always want to give," Jess Morris said. "We have a '96 Bronco that we use for coffee deliveries and realized if we could help a family in such a crisis, then it’s just a car. We’re lucky we have a platform to give at North Fork Roasting Co."

There is a donation bucket set up for the family at the shop in Southold, as well.

(Courtesy Jess Morris).

A GoFundMe page, "Funeral Cost for Amber — Car for Rachael" was set up by Tony Raymond B. The crash happened right before Amber's first day of school, he said.

(GoFundMe)

"Just a normal trip to Walmart for school shopping turned instantly into a fatal and tragic event," he said. "Several people rushed to the scene to rescue them from the car, but unfortunately for Amber it was too late. . . There is nothing that can be done to replace what the love that we carried for Amber. She was genuine, innocent, sweet, intelligent, talented, friendly, outgoing, and artistic. Our family will never truly recover from this, and even though she's gone, we are all struggling to keep our faith."

"She was genuine, innocent, sweet, intelligent, talented, friendly, outgoing, and artistic"

He added: "As we sit here, grieving on the front porch of a childhood home where Amber's drawings in chalk, rock paintings, and clothing is scattered in abundance, it is frustrating, devastating, and impossible to think of the possibility that we will ever be able to live a normal life without our Amber. Jason, her father, tells stories of how she was his best friend, and how she would help him on the bay going on fishing trips."

Her mom, he added, "cries in agony, wishing that there was something else that she could do, and ultimately is struggling with how she will recover, get back to work, and drive to the grocery store in the coming months without her car and her torn ligaments in her right leg."

"Our family will never truly recover from this"

It is with a heavy heart, he said, that he put his thoughts into words. "Before I even ask for donations I want to thank all of the people who have stopped by the house to deliver flowers, love, hugs, and words of sympathy. We all appreciate the love and friendship that has been given to us in this difficult time. Thank you, from the Smith, Breese, and Stulsky family."

There was a dire need for a car for Rachael, he said; her car was lost in the horrific crash.

(GoFundMe)

Another GoFundMe Page, "Raise Money For Our Beloved Amber Stulsky," was created by John Schott. "It is unfortunate that I am reaching out on these terms," he wrote. "As a community we are all mourning the loss of young, beautiful Amber Stulsky," he said, adding that he was creating the page on behalf of her family and friends. "We are in need of some help so any contributions would be greatly appreciated. All proceeds will be put toward funeral and memorial services. I thank all that participate in advance. God bless the Stulsky, Smith, and Breese family."

According to Southold Town Police, the crash took place at 8:18 p.m. Tuesday at Chapel Lane and Route 48 when Paul R. Greenfield, 71, of Port Jefferson, who was driving a 2004 Infinity, attempted to make a left turn onto westbound Route 48 from Chapel Lane and struck an eastbound 2003 Mercury Sable driven by Rachael Smith, 32, of Greenport.

Amber, who was a passenger in the rear seat, was transported by ambulance to Eastern Long Island Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, police said. No criminality is suspected and both vehicles were impounded for safety checks, police said.

David Gamberg, superintendent of Southold Schools, where Amber was a student, said he was working with the elementary school principal to make sure that students and staff are given all the support that they need; Wednesday was the first day of school.

"We are heartbroken to hear about this tragedy," he said.

On the first day of school, what should be a time filled with excitement, Gamberg also wrote a letter to heartbroken families: "It is with a heavy heart that I share the sad news that one of our students, Amber Stulsky, tragically died in a car accident last night. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Amber's family and friends. She was a lovely little girl and our staff is heartbroken. Please be assured that the Southold faculty and staff will be providing any and all support for your children during this difficult time."

Neighboring school districts have also offered their support, Gamberg said. "Once again, I am sorry to share this terrible news, and we will be here for the children and families of Southold as we begin the new school year," he said.

After the crash, residents expressed concerns about the danger of the spot where the tragedy took place, saying it has been a worry for many years — and begging for solutions.

Others have turned to social media in an outpouring of inconsolable grief.

"All of Greenport is in mourning," wrote Claudia Helinski. "To lose a child in such a terrible accident has saddened the entire community," she told Patch.

"You were an amazing, beautiful girl taken way to soon. We will miss seeing you around. Watch over your parents and the rest of your family. You are greatly missed. Rest in peace, beautiful angel," one mourner wrote.

"It is the first day of school, and yet very difficult to put a smile on this morning," another said. "Hold your children extra tight."

Others remembered Amber's happy smile and sweet personality. "Every life is so precious but when it comes to the life of a child it really just hurts to the core," one mom wrote. "I'm just so, so sorry for this family. God be with them. God be with us all."

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