Family Raises Funds To Bring Girl's Body Home For Burial

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A devastated family reached out for help to bring a teen's body home for burial — and a heartbroken community responded.

A GoFundMe, "Ana Castro's Funeral," was created by Jose Erik Ramirez, Ana's cousin.

Anna, he said, passed away while on birthday vacation in El Salvador, in a car accident on Dec. 23.

The goal, he said, was to raise $18,000 for his Aunt Vilma and Uncle Freddy to pay for a flight to bring her body home to the United States, and to pay for funeral costs.

"Ana was the sweetest girl in the world . . . the last person in this world who didn't deserve this," he wrote.

In an update Wednesday, Ramirez said he wanted to thank everyone who supported his family with love, prayers and donations.

"We have made the mark we need of $18,000 so Ana Castro can come back home, glory to God. I know money can never replace a soul or fix a broken heart. But it’s going to help my family grieve in peace without worries. Thank you again friends, family, and loved ones for everything — may God bless all of your hearts," he said.

If you wish to donate to help the family, click here.

Patch photo courtesy GoFundMe.

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