OGDEN, Utah (ABC4 News) – Love and prayers are pouring in for Emilie Parker, an Ogden native who was killed in the Newtown, CT school massacre.
The 5-year-old was born in Ogden to parents Robbie and Alissa Parker. Emilie has two younger sisters.
Brad Schultz, a close family friend, said the Parker family moved to Connecticut last year. Emilie’s father is a physician’s assistant and found work in the Newtown area.
Emilie, a kindergartener, was one of 20 children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary Friday.
“She’s such a sweet little angel and they’re such a great family,” Schultz said. “It’s just a really tragic loss.”
Schultz said it took hours for the Parker family to be notified of Emilie’s passing.
“They weren’t hearing any information throughout the day so it was painful for that reason,” he said. “When the news came out, I just couldn’t believe it. It was just so sad to hear.”
This is the second tragedy for the Parker family. Emilie’s grandfather, Douglas Cottle, died from injuries sustained in a bike crash at the LOTOJA race held in September 2012.
“They’re going through a really difficult time so that’s why my friend Alan Prothero and I thought it would be a great idea to put together this fund,” he said.
The fund is called the
Emilie Parker Fund on Facebook.
Thousands of people are leaving condolences for the little girl and many more are sending their prayers.
Schultz said Emilie will be brought back to Utah and laid to rest in Ogden.
If you would like to donate to the family, an account has been set up at America First Credit Union under “Emilie Parker Memorial Account.” The account number is 9056862.
