FELLSMERE — Six-year-old Madison Smith has died, succumbing to injuries she sustained in an ATV accident in Fellsmere last month.
Smith had been hospitalized since July 14. She passed away over the weekend.
Her mother, Jane Smith, posted on facebook: “RIP Baby Girl!! We will always love you. You will never be forgotten. Watch over Taylor she needs you more then ever.”
Details on a memorial service have yet to be released.
FELLSMERE — People from as far south as Martin and Okeechobee counties and those in the Fellsmere community, helped raise money for the Smith family after 6-year-old Madison was involved in an ATV accident July 14.
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“The night they were taken to Arnold Palmer they told us no hope,” said announcer Karen Ledford. “When they airlifted her out, the EMS, I turned to him and I said ‘how bad’ he shook his head, he couldn’t even talk, he said bad.”
Three girls were involved in the accident, sisters Taylor, 11, and Madison Smith, 6, and Sara Fontaine, 12. Madison is still hospitalized.
“It was just a freak accident,” said Brian Burkeen, of the Indian River County Fire Rescue.
Supporters gathered at the Fellsmere Riding Club for a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, bake sale, fantasy barrel race, and a chance to run the barrels. All of the items for the silent auction were unsolicited donations. The 50/50 raffle raised $8,200; the silent auction raised around $1,000, and the fantasy barrel race raised $475.
“It was kind of overwhelming, the support,” said co-organizer Amber Crocco. “Kids hit close to home.”
All proceeds raised during the benefit were donated to the family for lodging near the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando and living expenses as they sit at their daughter’s bedside.
“It breaks my heart,” said Sara Fontaine’s mother, Terri Fontaine, when asked about the accident.
During the event it was announced that Madison was no longer in ICU, but in a special care unit. She is breathing on her own is coming out of a coma.
“We really appreciate it,” said Madison’s mom, Janie Smith, of the support shown. “It’s awesome.”
During the flag ceremony at the start of the Steven Mauldin Memorial Youth Rodeo Buckle Series, Taylor Smith and Sara Fontaine rode in with other riders carrying flags with messages of encouragement for the Smith family and Madison.
