Boy, 6, sole survivor of crash that killed 5

Five people were killed and a child hospitalized Sunday evening after a pickup truck hydroplaned and crashed into a vehicle in DeSoto County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Both vehicles came to a rest in the westbound lanes, according to FHP. The second vehicle, a Volkswagen Passat, was traveling west when the rear of the truck struck the front of the Passat.

Zuniga was killed, and 6-year-old passenger Cort Thivierge is listed in critical condition at Tampa General Hospital, troopers say.

“My heart goes out to our friends in St. Petersburg”, he said.

Zuniga, 30, died in the crash. “But even in all of this tragedy I still trust that God is God and his strength is what holds me up”. Welch tried to avoid the truck, but the two cars collided, according to the FHP. She was not wearing a seat belt.

Troopers say alcohol did not play a factor, and the cause of the crash is under investigation. However, it is unclear whether or not the other two passengers in the Passat were wearing their seatbelts.

The Rev. Welch said his daughters were excited at the prospect of putting to work what they had learned at the convocation once they returned to their church and community.

“We will make sure that those kids will grow up knowing about their parent, they’ll be surrounded by family and love”, said Skinner.

“I want to send my well wishes to the three in that vehicle with him as well”, she said.

His relatives declined to comment but he is a student at Lake Country Elementary School, principal Erica Ashley confirmed.

“She was passionate about self-esteem for young women”, said Welch.