WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – A candlelight vigil was held for 12-year-old Esamay Heese, who died after she was hit by a car Saturday.
Friends and family organized the candlelight vigil at 13th and Ridge Road. They said Heese was creative and energetic, and the tragedy has shaken the west Wichita community.
“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,” Foster said.
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.
