Local News
Gloria Elikana, a toddler, was struck by an Amtrak train.
Gloria Elikana, a 21-month-old who died after being hit by an Amtrak train in Springfield. GoFundMe
A fundraiser has been launched for the family of a toddler who was hit and killed by a train Wednesday in Springfield.
Authorities said a 21-month-old girl was struck by an Amtrak train behind Emily Street. She was taken to Baystate Medical Center, where she died from her injuries.
A GoFundMe, created Friday, identified the toddler as Gloria Elikana. As of Monday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised more than $7,500 — approximately 43 percent of its goal.
According to the campaign, Gloria is survived by her parents, Elikana Jackson and Happiness Raphael, and her five siblings: Grace, 13; Jackson, 10; Beatrice, 8; Brighton, 5; and Justin, 3.
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Child hit and killed by train in Springfield
Gloria’s family immigrated to the United States in 2016 after living as refugees in Tanzania. The family has roots in Burundi and Rwanda and fled genocide before settling in the U.S., according to the fundraiser.
“The family works hard to provide for their children, but this tragedy has left them facing overwhelming funeral expenses and emotional hardship,” the campaign description states.
Organizers wrote the family remains “in shock and mourning” following Gloria’s death.
Gloria’s father, who has served as a pastor for seven years, is coping with significant trauma after previously losing an older brother in an accident, while her mother is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her daughter, the fundraiser notes.
Funds raised will help cover funeral expenses and provide additional support for the family as they grieve and heal.
“We want to thank everyone for their support and recognize the deep mourning the family is experiencing,” the campaign description states.
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