Nearly two months after the death of their daughter in Boston’s Fort Point neighborhood, a Denver couple is using their grief for good.
Gracie Gonchar, a four-year-old from Denver, Colorado, was struck and killed by a pickup truck at the corner of Sleeper and Congress Street in late March.
The family was visiting relatives in the Boston area. They tell Boston 25 that they were waiting for a ride after visiting the children’s museum before the tragedy occurred.
Gracie’s mother, Gina Gancheva, explained, “I actually picked Gracie up from under the pickup and had to go through the trauma with her and her sisters… I still live with that every day.”
Her father, Andy Newman-Gonchar, added: “[Gracie] charged with life… It’s like she hasn’t come home and I still wonder where she is.’
The family tells Boston 25 that they plan to establish a foundation in Gracie’s name that will focus on child welfare and road safety.
Newman-Gonchar explained, “I want people to feel uncomfortable when they turn their key and start their car.”
Their foundation will focus on road safety precautions in Boston, Denver and beyond.
In the wake of the tragedy, new barriers and additional signage can be seen at the corner of Speeder Street and Congress Street. The city remains committed to making other intersections safe.
“I miss her very much,” Newman-Gonchar said. “I just feel like she deserved a better chance.”
To donate to Gracie’s family and their developing foundation, click on this link: https://gofund.me/d5ad32de
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