Nightmarish news out of Oklahoma last weekend as beloved Gametime 2K15 Premier pitcher and third baseman Kella Cruikshank died last Saturday morning after being ejected from a car that hit a bridge rail and overturned.

Kella, described by Gametime Head Coach Brendan Hackett as “a bright and loving 10-year-old whose presence on and off the field left a lasting impact on everyone she met,” was pronounced dead at the scene.

Also in the car was her 15-year-old brother, Tyree, who escaped without serious injury but witnessed the devastating scene involving the loss of his younger sister. 

In an eerie coincidence, the accident happened on State Highway 152 and County Street 2760 in the Oklahoma City area and was close to another accident that happened just 10 days before involving the bus crash carrying the Minco (Okla.) High softball team.

Note: a follow-up Line Drive article detailed that all involved in the bus crash will recover.

Here is a news segment produced by KOCO 5 News, the ABC affiliate news channel out of Oklahoma City, covering the specifics of the car accident involving Kella:

Along with fellow assistant coach Stew Fleischman, Kella’s father JR Cruikshank coaches on Kella’s Gametime team and the terrible tragedy has impacted not only the club organization, but all those involved in softball in the state.

“Our Gametime 2k15 Premier family experienced an unimaginable loss,” Coach Hackett said earlier this week.

“Kella wasn’t just a teammate; she was the heartbeat of our team.”

“Always quick with a smile, she was always ready to cheer on a teammate and never afraid to lift the energy of the dugout, even if that meant being a little loud in the coach’s ear.”

“She had a gift for encouragement, and she lived it every day on and off the field.”

Still reeling from the shock of last weekend’s accident, the Gametime organization moved quickly to honor the fallen player by dedicating one of the travel team’s hitting tunnels to No. 29—the jersey number Kella wore—in her honor.

Coach Hackett added that a banner will also hang in the program’s facility as “a lasting reminder that Kella will forever be part of our team and our hearts.”

The organization also started a GoFundMe for the family to help offset funeral, medical and other costs associated with the accident (donations can be made directly to help the Cruikshank family by clicking HERE).

As of Thursday morning, $23,803—83 percent of the desired goal of $29,000–had been raised via 253 donations.

“We are deeply grateful to the countless softball teams and individuals who have generously donated to Kella’s family,” Coach Hackett added.

“Your support is a testament to how loved and valued she was and continues to be.”

Additionally, the club program announced that helmet stickers carrying Kella’s No. 29 will soon be sold for purchase with all proceeds going to the athlete’s family.

The 10-year-old’s coach explained what made the softball player so special to those who knew her on and off the field.

“As a standout pitcher and third baseman, Kella played with grit, talent, and determination far beyond her years,” Hackett related.

“But what set her apart wasn’t just her skill; it was her love for the game, her family, and her teammates. Kella made softball fun. She made us better. She made us a family.”

“Kella’s story is one of joy, light, and love, qualities we will carry forward as her legacy.”

“Though her time with us was far too short, her impact will never fade. Every pitch thrown, every bat swung, every chant in the dugout will carry a piece of her spirit.”

“Kella, you will always be remembered, always loved, and always be our Forever #29.”

The day after the accident, a memorial vigil was held at the Gametime practice facility where the Cruikshank family told stories and shared videos and photos of Kella’s life on and off the softball field.

Dan Freund, the President of Gametime Stars, remembers meeting Kell and her family two years ago when his daughter joined the organization after the family moved to Oklahoma from Southern California.

“I would see her and her dad JR in the practice facility all the time on their own getting in that extra work. Her work ethic was second to none and the kid never stopped working.”

“Kella was always happy and joyful when she was in the building getting her extra reps in and she definitely was happy any chance I got to see her perform. Miss Cruikshank was a special young lady whose presence was definitely felt every time she took the field.”

Freund says he was fortunate to be in attendance the weekend prior to the crash to witness a big game in which Kella shined.

“I thank God that I went out last week to watch our 2015 Premier team play and was able to watch her play for the last time,” he recalls.

“Kella stepped up in a big way in the championship game that went into ITB. She shut the door in a crucial part of the game and helped her team win on a walk-off.”

“Kella was that dominant force we all had become so familiar with. Her memory and legacy will continue to live on here at Gametime Stars. Her future was so bright, God had big plans for her.”

“I know in my heart He still does.”

“We will continue to play for Kella and work to be better every day on how we treat each other and how we treat these amazing athletes playing this great game we all love.”

“We love you, Miss Kella… fly high little lady.”

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball