"She loved everyone...My baby loved everyone and everyone loved her," said Ahjanae's grandmother, Del Rio Scott. "We are here to celebrate the life of Ajzanae Triplett. It was a short life. And we're going to miss her, miss her so dearly."
Around 3:30 Sunday afternoon, family members say Ahjzanae was collecting rocks with friends near the mechanical gate outside her apartment complex, which opens to the parking lot at Museum Place. Police say the 11-year-old was playing between the gate and its control box when the gate switched on and started moving. Ahjzanae was caught, and the force proved deadly.
Ajzanae's parents explain the family has only lived at the location 3 weeks. Their daughter attended Emmanuel Baptist Christian School and would have been in 6th grade this fall.
Many are still asking how such a tragedy could happen. There are multiple sensors which activate the gate. Right now, investigators don't know what caused it to open. A spokesperson says Museum Place is cooperating with police.
Meanwhile, family and friends are preparing to say goodbye. Ajzanae's viewing will be at Tate's Funeral Home on Lagrange Street this Friday evening from 5 to 7pm. The funeral will be at Friendship Baptist Church on Nebraska near Reynolds on Saturday morning at 11am.
The family is accepting donations to help pay for the funeral at any Key Bank.
