Public memorial held for triplet Delaney Rossman Friday night

HUDSON, Fla. - A public memorial was held Friday night in memory of a 5-year-old triplet, Delaney Rossman, who was killed by a driver in her front yard a week ago.

Delaney’s sister, who was also in the yard at the time of the accident, is alert and recovering from the accident at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Delaney was laid to rest on Thursday, but the vigil was a chance for the public to celebrate her life at Veteran’s Memorial Park.

"We wanted to make sure she leaves with the right closure instead of just the funeral, it was really tough on them", said Ryan Kalhorn.

Amid all the hugging and wiping away of tears, they also did something extra special.

Wish lanterns were passed out, and people got to write messages to Delaney before lighting them, making a wish, and then releasing the lanturn.

Delaney's family was overwhelmed by the dozens of people that showed up to support them during this difficult time.

"I had no idea how many people she had touched," her mother Danielle Malm said.

People who didn't even know Delaney or the family felt compelled to try and ease their suffering.

A locally owned car dealership gave the family a car, free and clear, to replace the one that was totaled during the accident last week.

"I've had a lot of death in my family the last few years, a wife and father, and I know what I'm going through," said Gary Demicco, who owns Micco Motors. I can't imagine it because I have twin boys, triplets, twins, you know I have a connection with them."

A connection many felt with the family, and the little girl, who was taken too soon.

"We just wanted to do something light-hearted with the kids, and give them a chance to do what they needed to do to say goodbye," Malm said.

Donations are being accepted and can be turned in at any FifthThird Bank to the Triplets Memorial Fund.

They can also be mailed to:

Fifth Third Bank
Bayonet Point Financial Center
12231 U.S. Highway 19
M T42366
Bayonet Point, FL 34667