Southern Michigan community rallies around family after death of 13-year-old girl

Friends and community members rallied around the family of 13-year-old Lainey Scroggs after her death, raising more than $3,000 with a lemonade stand.

LAMBERTVILLE, Mich. — Communities across southern Michigan are mourning the loss of a 13-year-old girl.

Lainey Scroggs was a beloved student, cheerleader, friend and daughter. Just, last week, she was preparing for the start of her 8th grade year.

But on Wednesday, tragedy struck. Lainey passed away following a medical emergency.

Since then, the Temperance and Bedford Township communities have been pulling together to hold up her family.

“It’s been difficult for everyone and it’s been wonderful to see the community support the family. It’s just a parent’s worst nightmare,” said Lauren Lewis, a family friend of the Scroggs.

And out of tragedy, the sweetness of support. Kids in the community, including some of Lainey’s friends, set up a lemonade stand to raise money for the family.

“The kids wanted to do something to just show our support, and just all of the proceeds are going to the Scroggs family,” said Jessie Taylor, another friend of the Scroggs family.

One of Lainey’s friends says opening a lemonade stand was a fitting tribute .

“It was Lainey’s favorite. Like she loves lemons, so she loved them, yeah. It means a lot because I think that we’re doing something really good for their family,” said Ava Nehrig, a 7th grade friend of Lainey.

So from the silence of sorrow, love for Lainey, one cup at a time.

“I think it’s just knowing that they have people that they can rely on and count on, and that are always there for them to support them through whatever they need. We’re here,” said Taylor.

The Scroggs family share a statement with WTOL 11:

“The kindness and compassion we have received, and continue to receive, mean more than words could ever express. Nothing will ever bring our precious Lainey back, but we find comfort in knowing how deeply she was loved and how profoundly her beautiful life touched so many hearts. Her time with us was far too short, but the impact she made and the love she brought into this world will last forever. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for loving Lainey and for continuing to hold our family close.”

The lemonade stand ran all day Friday, collecting more than $3,000 for the Scroggs family