US3 min(s) read
Published 16:33 03 Feb 2023 GMT
A pregnant woman has tragically been found dead on the street of a residential neighborhood in Florida, with her toddler very close by.
Alana Sims' sleeping 23-month-old son was discovered in the vehicle next to his deceased mother's body.
She was found by officers from the Tampa Police Department outside her Ford EcoSport SUV on Monday night. She had sustained upper body trauma. The young woman, who was five months pregnant at the time, was identified by her loved ones on Tuesday.
"Alana was the best person you could be around. She wasn't around drama," the late mother's own mom Shahlevi Sims told People.
"She stayed to herself you know just a real down-to-earth person," Shahlevi told the outlet. "She loved being around her nieces, she loved her son and her family."
Alana's son was in his car seat in the back of the car when law enforcement arrived at the scene. The youngster, who turns two next month, did not have any signs of physical harm from the incident and is now being taken care of by relatives.
Tampa police spokesperson Crystal Clark told 10 Tampa Bay on Tuesday that authorities believe the tragedy to have been a targeted attack. "I can tell you, when she was laying on the ground, it appeared she had been deceased for a bit of time," she added.
Per a police press release regarding the ordeal, the case is being investigated by homicide detectives.
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe was set up to contribute to the costs of the young mom's funeral.
Its description reads: "Hi my name is Shahlevi my daughter Alana has lost her life suddenly. Alana was a devoted mother who has a son who she loved very much. She was murdered on Monday the 30th.
"She was 5 months pregnant at the time and leaves behind a 2 year old. Please help us out in the time of need. Anything is appreciated. God bless."
More than three times its initial goal of $4,000 has been donated, at the time of writing.
Some of those who donated to the fundraiser left heartfelt comments expressing their condolences, with one person writing: "I am so sorry for this terrible loss. As a daughter and mother of young children, my heart breaks for you and your grandson and what was and could have been. Sending love and comfort and a reminder to be kind and gentle with yourselves during such a difficult time."
Another wrote: "I am so sorry for your loss. May God wrap his arms around you and your family. RIP beautiful."
A third added: "Truly sorry for your loss. I hope that you and your family find some peace."
