Outpouring of support for RIPTA accident victim’s family

By: Rebecca Turco

Email: rturco@abc6.com

PROVIDENCE – An outpouring of support for the family of the little girl who was hit and killed by a RIPTA bus in Providence.

An online fundraiser for the parents of Ani Emdjian, 9, raised nearly $37,000 as of 11:30 p.m. Friday, just 13 hours after the fundraiser began. Donations and messages of condolence are still pouring in.

And on Smith Street lies a makeshift memorial that began Thursday afternoon. Folks have been placing stuffed animals, flowers, candles near the spot where Emdjian was hit Thursday morning. It has become a place where people can pay their respects and grieve.

“Unbelievable,” said family friend Christapor Habibian. “A wonderful girl like her is gone too soon.”

We’re told the third-grader loved playing the piano and drawing. Neighbors and friends say she always had a smile on her face.

© WLNE-TV 2015