JACKSONVILLE, Fla. \u2014 A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken a Jacksonville family, and the community is stepping up to support them in their time of grief. <\/p>\n
Nearly 100 people gathered for a candlelight vigil Thursday night to honor 13-year-old Genesis Webber, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash earlier this week.<\/p>\n
Genesis\u2019 cousin, Autumn Redding, said the turnout and community support have been a source of strength for the family.<\/p>\n
>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <\/b><\/a><\/p>\n \u201cMy cousin Shardae, which is her mom, wants to express how thankful she is of the community who came together, who have donated, and who have called with messaged,\u201d said Redding.<\/p>\n Candles lit the sky as balloons tied to a nearby fence served as touching symbols of hope and remembrance.<\/p>\n The emotional impact of the tragedy has extended beyond the family. Jeff Lavender, owner of local food truck The Gumbo Man, said the loss struck a personal chord.<\/p>\n \u201cI cannot imagine going a day without being able to pick up the phone and just talk to my daughter, hear my daughter\u2019s voice, no more in life,\u201d Lavender said.<\/p>\n Lavender was brought to tears when he learned what happened to Genesis.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd it tug in my heart and I was just in tears crying,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He\u2019s now donating a portion of this weekend\u2019s food truck proceeds directly to Genesis\u2019 family.<\/p>\n \u201cTerrible tragedy that happened. It hurts my heart. It had me in tears. But I have daughters,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The community has been showing up not just for the food, but for the cause.<\/p>\n