Parents Of Girl Killed By Suspected Drunk Driver Thank Community
SHALER TOWNSHIP (KDKA) -- The parents of little girl killed by a suspected drunk driver in a front yard in Shaler Township last month spoke to the community Tuesday to thank them for their support through a very difficult time.
In these tragic times, Dave and Amber Campbell decided to speak out.
"In these times of grieving, we will console one another, we will lean on one another and we will lend a shoulder to cry on to one another," said Dave Campbell, the victim's dad.
"In these times of grief and these times of healing, we ask ourselves why. Why did this happen to such a beautiful little angel?" said Amber, the victim's mother.
The why, we will never know, but now her parents are taking on the difficult issue.
"My suggestion is that we talk to our local legislators and ask them what we can do," said Amber. "What we can change so no other family or community has to endure this pain and suffering ever again."
It is message Amber hopes the community takes seriously.
Ava Campbell, 6, and her mother were leaving a play date on Sept. 26 when they were struck by a car that police say was being driven by 20-year-old Travis Grayson of Millvale.
They were standing in the driveway holding hands when police say Grayson lost control. Ava died a few hours later after being rushed to Children's Hospital.
Police say Grayson admitted he smoked marijuana and drank 10 beers before getting in the car that night. Grayson had been cited three times before for underage drinking.
"It's just heartbreaking. I can't imagine how you would even go on every day after losing a child," said Nikki Ridgeway, a family friend of the Campbells.
Ava's friends say her personality lit up a room.
"She was kind and nice to me. Every time I saw her she would say hello to me," said Alexis Ridgeway.
"She has left us signs and she will be watching over us," Ava's father added.
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