A 7-year-old junior drag racer suffered fatal injuries in a crash on an Orlando racetrack, just days after getting a new car for her birthday.
The family of Elienisse Zoe Diaz announced the little girl died Tuesday after “fighting for her life” following the tragic accident on Sunday at Orlando Speed World Dragway.
“It is with immense sadness and devastation that I share the passing of our sweet girl, Elienisse Zoe Diaz last night,” a representative for the family wrote on social media. “She was called home and entered the gates of heaven — fully healed from her earthly injuries.”
Diaz was badly injured when she lost control of her Junior Dragster, struck a 34-year-old track employee, then slammed into a concrete wall, according to Florida station WFTV. The worker’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.
The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is investigating the crash. The organization hosts events where drivers ages 5-17 race in cars that can reach speeds up to 85 mph. Younger age groups are restricted to “slower times/speeds,” according to the NHRA website. It’s unclear how fast Diaz was driving.
The Orlando Speed World Dragway (OSW) mourned the young driver’s death on Facebook.
“We are deeply heartbroken by the tragic incident that took place at OSW on Sunday,” track officials posted. “Motorsports is built on passion, but moments like these remind us of the risks that come with what we love.”
Racing site Dragzine said Diaz celebrated her seventh birthday Jan. 30 with a new dragster. It’s unclear if that was the car she was driving when the fatal collision occurred.
Eastland Christian school, where Diaz was a student, said the first grader will be missed.
“She was a bright light in our school community, and we are thankful for the time we had with her,” school officials posted on social media. “Her beautiful smile will be deeply missed by all of us.”
Fans in the community said Diaz came from a racing family and called her “a piece of the future.”
She’ll be buried in Orlando on Tuesday.