Mourning Girl, 4, Who Died After Crash: 'Her Smile Was A Rainbow'

RIVERHEAD, NY — A broken-hearted community continues to mourn a 4-year-old who died after a Flanders crash — and has come together to help her devastated father and sister in their time of great need.

Gracelyn Jane Perkowski died on January 16 after being critically injured in a January 13 crash on Flanders Road, according to New York State Police. After the crash, Gracelyn's mother Amy Wesolowski, 34, was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, police said.

Now, Gracelyn's father John Perkowski and his daughter Kinley need help — and friends and loved ones are rallying to their sides.

The Flanders Men's Club has organized a Chinese auction and raffle in memory of Gracelyn, which is slated for Saturday, February 26, at the Men's Club, located at 1018 Flanders Road and beginning at 11 a.m.

The event will include the Chinese auction, a 50/50, a cash bar and food for purchase; $10 admission includes a sheet of auction tickets. The drawing begins at 1:30 p.m.; winners need not be present. Additional tickets will be available for sale. Masks are required and all COVID precautions will be in place

"This past January a tragic accident took the life of 4-year-old Grace before her time, leaving behind an array of unexpected expenses. This an opportunity for the community to come together, do some good, and help out a family in need, and maybe win some really cool prizes and enjoy a break from the winter weather," the Flanders Men's Club said.

A GoFundMe page, "John (JT) Perkowski and his daughter Kinley," was created by Barry Cain of Hampton Bays.

"The Riverhead community is devastated by the loss of 4-year-old Gracelyn Perkowski. We hope that the community can support Gracelyn's father, John Perkowski and daughter Kinley. Any contribution can help through this difficult time," the page said.

To donate, click here.

Fundraisers have also been held by North Fork Brewing Co. and St. David's School, the preschool Gracelyn attended.

"Gracelyn was a rainbow on a cloudy day. Her smile could light up a room and her giggle could warm even the coldest of days," said Rose Horton, director at St. David's School. "Her classmates, teachers and all of the St. David’s community will forever remember Gracie. I know that losing her has left a permanent mark on my heart. We will continue to pray for her family during these unimaginable times."

According to New York State Police, Wesolowski was driving a 2005 Toyota RAV4 with her daughter Gracelyn when the car collided with a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan driven by Sonya Fezza, 29, of Water Mill.

Wesolowski was arrested and charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, a misdemeanor, endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, and aggravated DWI with child, a felony, and was held for morning arraignment, police said.

Officials said Southampton Town Animal Control Officer Colleen Kidd, "quickly sprang into action" and tried valiantly to save the little girl's life. Neighbors also reportedly rushed to the scene to try and help Gracelyn. She was transported to the hospital by Flanders-Northampton Volunteer Ambulance, who continued work to resuscitate her, but she passed away days later.

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