WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A candlelight vigil was held for Esamay Heese, the 12-year-old girl who died after she was hit by a car Saturday.
Friends and family organized the vigil at 13th and Ridge. They said Heese was creative and energetic, and this tragedy has shaken the community in West Wichita.
Candlelight illuminated ongoing support for Heese, who was struck at 13th and Ridge in west Wichita on Saturday.
“She’s loved, a lot of people liked her, and she always made people happy and really fun to be around,” said Natalie Foster, a friend of Heese’s.
Community members left gifts and flowers at the memorial, which was steps away from the deadly collision.
“She’s really fun to be around, and I hope a lot of people know that she was like one of the best friends you could ever have,” said Foster.
Heese’s friends and family are keeping her memory alive.
“She would come over over the house she spent over. They’ll do these silly little silly videos, silly dances, and TikTok dancing,” Sylvia Alden, grandmother of Esamay’s best friends, said.
Friends are calling on the need for more crosswalks.
“They need crosswalks for these kids, especially near school. A lot of these kids go to Wilbur (Middle School). There’s no crosswalk for them, so it’s very, very important,” Alden said.
Those in attendance say they are keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers.
“I just want the community to remember (Heese) as a fun, loving person. They loved everybody, not a mean (bone) in her body, she loves everybody, all walks of life, and I know she’s up there dancing and laughing,” Alden said.
