Two weeks after a child died in a car collision crash south of Dove Creek, her family grieves her loss and continues to call for justice.
Kyrie McKensley died May 8 after a driver reportedly left the scene of a DUI investigation on U.S. Highway 491, then crashed into the car carrying Kyrie and her aunt Amie Hammond. The collision pushed their car into oncoming southbound traffic, where they were hit by an oncoming car. Amie Hammond was flown to a hospital with serious injuries.
Kyrie McKensley was just 11 years old, but for family, that is a lifetime of memories.
“She had a Youtube and a TikTok,” said Aaron Hammond, who is Kyrie’s uncle. “It’s kind of a blessing now; I can go back and watch.”
Kyrie was involved in a lot of activities. She played basketball on a team with her cousins and was a cheerleader, according to Hammond.
Kyrie attended Kiva Montessori Charter School in Cortez, and the family saw a lot of support from students and staff. Hammond stated that the school shut down for a day to honor Kyrie.
Some of Hammond’s favorite memories of his niece include her excitement to show him her crafts, like crocheting or beadwork.
“She showed me not to be shy about my beadwork,” Hammond said, and her advice will stay with him.
Beadwork “is a labor of love, and she was doing it on her own,” he added. She enjoyed doing the work, which is a trait she shared with her uncle. Some people complain about how long beading takes, but Hammond believes that’s “part of creating something.”
Hammond told a Journal reporter that there has been “so much support from everybody. That was something we needed.” He enjoyed seeing the support, and shared this positive spark with his sister, who was injured in the crash.
Hammond shared little information about his sister’s condition, but stated that “she’s getting better. She just needs a lot of time and support.”
Comments on Facebook express heartfelt condolences to the family, as well as call for justice for Kyrie. Family members shared photos of the girl in the comments as well, including a photo of Kyrie as a baby, shared by her grandmother.
A GoFundMe has been set up on Kyrie’s behalf to help cover funeral costs.
Michelle Harvey, who was driving the car that pushed Kyrie’s car into oncoming traffic, is set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on June 13. Harvey faces 12 charges related to the crash.
