Family members sing "Happy Birthday" at vigil for 3-year-old Jayda Handy, struck by car & killed



MILWAUKEE -- The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office has released reports related to the death of three-year-old Jayda Handy, who died after she was struck by a car near 84th and Marion on Saturday, August 6th -- during her birthday party. On Monday evening, her family and others came together to honor the three-year-old girl's spirit.

"I wanted everything to be perfect for her, because she was so perfect," Jayda's mother, Erica said.

"She used to kiss me goodnight and tell me she loved me. They say everything happens for a reason, but I don`t think I will ever understand this reason," Jayda's father, Jaylen Handy said.

Jayda Handy



Jayda Handy was pronounced dead at Children's Hospital Saturday. The preliminary manner of death has been ruled an accident.

The medical examiner's report states that Handy died as a result of blunt force injuries to the head and neck.

The little girl was getting ready to celebrate her birthday Saturday afternoon when she saw her grandfather arrive for her birthday party.

"She saw her granddad. She ran over there," said Jaylen Handy, Jayda's father.

Jayda Handy



Police say she ran through traffic near 84th and Marion, when she was struck by a vehicle.

"He was flying through here and, you know, he hit her," said Jaylen Handy.

The medical examiner's report says Jayda was with her mother when she saw her grandfather across the street. She then ran across the street and was struck by a white Toyota Camry headed northbound on 84th Street. The report says it is believed the driver of the Camry was "going close to the speed limit" and was "about six car lengths from where the child was struck" when the driver stopped.

Jayda Handy



The driver consented to a blood draw, and the medical examiner's report says there is no indication intoxication or speed were factors in this incident.

"It's just still unreal to me that this happened," said Jaylen Handy. "She was just here preparing for her party all morning."

Jaylen Handy



The family carried on with Jayla's birthday party Saturday -- saying it was what she would have wanted.

Family members and friends gathered in the park across the street, celebrating the life of a little girl.

"Everybody was here for a happy gathering and it turned into this," said Jaylen Handy.

A day that was meant to be filled with smiles, turned into a day to remember a young life taken suddenly.



"She was just a happy baby. Always happy. Always happy. Everybody loved her," said Jaylen Handy.

Family members said all week, Jayda had been singing "Happy Birthday" -- and that's what made this so sad.

Police said the driver was legally operating the vehicle. No citations are expected.

Four generations came together Monday evening at the scene of this tragedy to honor Jayda, and say goodbye to a young life cut far too short.

Vigil for Jayda Handy



The crowd sang "Happy Birthday" as they held back tears and prayed.

"For the three short years she was here, she made an impact on everybody," Jaylen Handy said. "Everybody is going to miss her. She had an impact on everybody."

Vigil for Jayda Handy



Vigil for Jayda Handy



Jayda Handy's mother Erica and father Jaylen



"I just want everyone to be happy.  Just like she was.  I`m crying because I miss her.  I`m going to miss her," Jayda's mother, Erica said.

A GoFundMe.com account has been set up to help pay funeral costs. CLICK HERE to make a donation.

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