A six-month-old baby girl from Wigan tragically died in a crash in a multi-storey car park in south Wales. Sophia Kelemen, from Leigh, died following the collision on the ground floor of the car park in Tenby last Thursday (January 2).
Little Sophia was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and died the following day. Flaviu Naghi, 33, of Irvine Street, Leigh, has since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a license and without insurance.
Fundraising efforts have since been set up to support the family following her death and to cover repatriation costs for Sophia.
Her father, originally from just outside Bucharest, in Romania, wants to bring her home for burial as part of his journey toward closure and plans to move back to Romania.
Sophia Kelemen, aged six months, from Leigh, died following a crash in Tenby
(Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)
A GoFundMe page, set up by Sophia’s auntie Adriana, read: “Never in a million years would I have thought I would have to write a post like this. My name is Adriana, the auntie of my beloved niece Sophia.
“A seemingly ordinary day turned into our family’s worst nightmare. The baby was airlifted to the hospital with a broken pelvis and a brain bleed and was ultimately diagnosed with brain damage due to the impact.
“Despite the efforts of the doctors, Sophia could not cope with the impact, the surgery, anaesthesia, the brain bleed and all the injuries were too much for her fragile heart, which eventually gave out.
“I hope to ease a very small part of my brother and sister in law’s hurt and suffering and raise part of the necessary funds required for the funeral costs and repatriation, as this was an event no one could have ever expected or planned for, especially right after the Christmas holidays.”
Following Sophia’s tragic death, another family friend has also set up another fundraiser to assist with repatriation costs for her return to Romania, which read: “A seemingly ordinary and beautiful day turned into a nightmare for her and her parents. The little girl arrived at the hospital with a broken pelvis and blood on the brain.
“We want to be with the young parents now and support them in our prayers but also financially. For Sophia’s repatriation they need 6670 pounds sterling [£6,670]. Every cent counts, and with your help, Sophia will get home to Romania faster. God bless you all.”
Donations can be made online to both fundraisers here and here.
Flaviu Naghi, who was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a license and without insurance, faced magistrates on Saturday and will next appear at Swansea Crown Court on February 7.
A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys police said: “Sadly, we can confirm that a six-month-old baby girl has died following a collision on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park in Tenby on January 2.
“Sophia Kelemen, from the Leigh, Manchester area, was taken to hospital but died of her injuries on January 3. Our thoughts remain with her family at this difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.
“Flaviu Naghi, aged 33, from Wigan, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving without a license and without insurance. He appeared at Swansea Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, January 4, where he was further remanded to appear before Swansea Crown Court on February 7.
“He was also arrested on suspicion of drink driving and drug driving and has been released on bail for these offences. This is a tragic incident and is a live investigation. We ask that you do not speculate the circumstances.”