CROOKSTON, Minn. — "They are missing a good friend," said Highland Elementary School Principal Chris Trostad, referring to 10-year-old Kaylee Acevedo, a fifth grader at the school.
A young girl whom the principal described as a model student, who treated the Pirates community with dignity and respect.
She was dragged by a semi for more than a block through downtown Crookston on Monday, Oct. 4. Troopers say she became tangled in the back wheels of the semi when it hopped the curb at the Highway 2 turn. Kaylee was sitting on her bike on the sidewalk.
"We have kids who witnessed it; it's extremely traumatic," said Trostad.
Acevedo remains in the ICU at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. Her mom said doctors had to amputate Kaylee's right leg, but she is responding to family.
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Her family issued this statement, saying, "God is hearing you all and the prayers are working! Please keep them coming!"
More prayers are coming. Dozens of get well cards from students and teachers have been made for Kaylee. The school also sent an email to parents asking for cash donations.
"The kids want to do everything they can for their friend," said Trostad.
The students are praying for their classmate, who is in the fight of her life.
"The kids miss her immensely, and will be thrilled to death the day she gets back," said Trostad.
Trostad and the school superintendent drove to Fargo on Tuesday, Oct. 5, to visit Kaylee and her family and deliver the cards and money.
Kaylee mother is expected to miss several weeks at work to be by her daughter's bedside at the hospital. Two fundraisers have been launched.
Donations can be sent to: Rhonda-Richard-84 on Venmo, or to $turtleluv863 on Cashapp.
