Counselors to help students cope with death of child killed in Christmas parade float accident

Counselors at Homer Drive Elementary school in Beaumont Monday morning will help students cope with the death of a child who was run over by a float at the Beaumont Christmas parade and died.  

The owner of the iRule Dance Studio, CharLee Hanna-Rule, where 10 year old Aaliyah Carter was a member, has issued a statement about the child's death:  "We are all heartbroken by this unthinkable tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Aaliyah's family and friends during this very difficult time. We ask the community to also keep the family in their thoughts and prayers."

In a phone conversation with KFDM, Hanna-Rule said Aaliyah was full of life and always smiling, and said she was a very special child.

Aaliyah died Saturday evening from injuries she sustained after a parade float ran over her. Aaliyah had been riding on the iRule Dance Studio float. Initial reports from the Beaumont Police Department stated Aaliyah was jumping on and off the float when she fell in the path of the float. But after further investigation, officers say Aaliyah jumped off the float and had been running alongside it when she lost her footing and fell. The wheels of the trailer then ran over her, causing severe head trauma.

Officer Crystal Holmes with the Beaumont Police Department tells KFDM News several witnesses provided statements to police Saturday night, and officers expect to take 30 to 40 more statements.

"It appears to be a horrible tragedy, and at this time, police don't expect to file any charges," said Officer Holmes.  "The investigation continues."

Aaliyah was a 4th grader at Homer Drive elementary school and was very active in school activities, including captain of the drill team and historian for the student council.  She was also an honor roll student.

Hanna-Rule says there will be counselors at the studio all week to help the students who witnessed the tragedy. They are also planning a candlelight vigil for her friends and family. The group also held a private vigil with the family Sunday evening at Hanna-Rule's home.

An account has been set up at Capitol One Bank to help Aaliyah's family with funeral expenses.  The account number is 3312612320.

Stay with KFDM News for more on the story today at Noon, Live at 5, and KFDM News at 6 & 10.