HOUSTON – Dozens of people came out to mourn and remember the life of a 8-year-old girl who died after being hit by a car shortly after getting off her school bus Monday in southwest Houston.
The child, whose name was Emanuela Aifuwa, made an impact on everyone she met.
“She used to take care of me when I was sad, she was there for me, she had a lot of great things to say,” said her best friend Balu. “She never argued. Every time, every time I was sad she would tell me take seven deep breaths.”
One teacher KPRC 2 spoke with said Emanuela was full of energy and used it to lift up others.
“I met her on the bus, we connected right away. She would always come to my classroom to pick me up,” said Paula.
Emmanuela’s mother, Suzy Oriakhi, said her daughter was her defender.
“She said she’s going to be a doctor so if I get sick she’s going to treat me, now nobody’s going to treat me when I get sick,” she said.
Emanuela’s aunt described her as a child who loved to have fun.
“On Sunday she was telling me, ‘Auntie Esther I want to go see Sonic. I want to see all the things. She loved to dance,” said Esther Oriakhi.
No funeral arrangements have been set yet, the family says they’re still working to get the funds needed to lay Emanuela to rest properly.
