Remembering Ani Emdjian

By Dana Griffin

dgriffin@abc6.com

@DanaGriffinABC6

PROVIDENCE, RI- 9-year-old Ani Emdjian attended Armenian and art classes at a local church. That’s where we found her art and learned she was working on new music for an upcoming talent show.

“It’s very difficult for everybody,” said church member, Konstantin Petrossian.

It’s difficult because her community is now in mourning after Ani was struck and killed by a RIPTA bus while trying to cross Smith Street in Providence, Thursday morning.

There’s a memorial there, growing in her honor.

Many people, some who didn’t even know the 3rd grader, have laid stuffed animals, candles, and notes saying, “Rest in peace sweet angel,” and “May angels be with your family.”

Konstantin Petrossian is the cultural and music director at Providence‘s Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Church. He says she was always smiling and had lots of friends. She loved to draw and play the piano.

Petrossian said, “She told me she prepared new music pieces for upcoming concert.”

Ani has attended the church for three years. Members say they will miss her.

A private funeral will be held at the church, Wednesday morning.

There’s a Go Fund Me account where people have left their memories of Ani and raised over $23,000.

Police identified the RIPTA bus driver as Eric Seaberg of Smithfield. He’s on leave pending the investigation.

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