A local family is seeking help for funeral expenses after a rising South County Middle School student and her father died in a crash earlier this week.
Isabella “Izzy” Rios, 12, and Alberto Samperio, 46, were killed Sunday (Aug. 17) after their vehicle crossed a center line and struck an oncoming vehicle, the Virginia State Police said.
Their vehicle, a Chrysler van, then veered off the road and struck a tree before coming to rest, according to reports by WRIC and other media outlets.
“Isabella’s family and friends are heartbroken as they navigate this sudden tragedy,” the GoFundMe reads. “No one is ever prepared to say goodbye to someone so young, so full of life, and so deeply loved.”
The fundraiser, which launched on Monday, seeks to raise $30,000 to cover funeral expenses and “give Isabella the beautiful farewell she deserves.”
“She was an ambitious girl whose passion lit up every room she entered — her joy, grace, and energy inspired everyone who knew her,” the GoFundMe reads.
The crash occurred in Caroline County, which is just south of Fredericksburg, less than 24 hours before Isabella was set to begin her first day of seventh grade at South County Middle in Lorton.
Two other juveniles were in the backseat of the vehicle at the time of the crash, police said. They were transported by helicopter to a local hospital. Their current condition is unknown.
A graduate of Silverbrook Elementary School in Fairfax Station, Rios is survived by her mother, Milenka Rios, who is an employee of Fairfax County Public Schools. She is also survived by an older brother and two half brothers.
A celebration of life for Isabella Rios has been scheduled for Aug. 29 at Chantilly’s SOL Ministries.
Photo via GoFundMe
