A fundraising campaign has been launched for a teenager who was seriously injured in a crash that killed her mother and grandmother.

Kumani Jackson was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with the women when they were involved in a three-vehicle crash on August 11.

Her grandmother, Geraldine Francis, and mother, Lisa Jackson, died at the scene.

Kumani suffered serious injuries and remains in Florida receiving treatment more than three months after the crash.

The 18-year-old graduated from The Berkeley Institute in the summer and was in the US state to start a university degree course.

A male driver involved in the collision has denied a number of charges related to the crash, including two counts of vehicular homicide.

An account for Kumani named “Francis & Jackson Family Support Fund” was set up on the GoFundMe platform last Wednesday with a goal of raising $125,000, and has already reached more than $25,000.

Yesterday, Kumani’s papa, Don Francis — the widower of Geraldine Francis and dad of Lisa Jackson — said that his family had been devastated by the tragedy.

He said that Kumani was in a hospital intensive care unit for about eight weeks, during which time Mr Francis and his two other daughters made repeat visits to Florida to be at her bedside.

She is now receiving speech, physical and occupational therapies at the hospital, but cannot remain as an inpatient.

As a result, her family have had to rent a house in Fort Lauderdale to provide Kumani with around-the-clock care, taking her to hospital several times a week for treatment.

Mr Francis said: “She is having to learn everything over again.

“She still uses a wheelchair and cannot walk unaided. But the doctors are hopeful that she’ll make a good recovery because of her age and because she’s athletic.

“Hopefully, she’ll eventually get some of her old self back.”

Asked how he was coping with the tragedy, Mr Francis said: “It’s been very hard for us — it’s devastating.

“We just try to get through day by day, but I still have my moments.”

Mr Francis said Kumani’s medical bills had skyrocketed and although he was hopeful his granddaughter would be able to return home to Bermuda soon, she will still require treatment once back on the island.

He said: “I would like to thank my good friend Chris Hands, who was instrumental in helping me set up the appeal, and for everyone who has made donations — big or small.

“I also want to thank those who have provided our family with emotional support throughout this ordeal. It means a lot.”

The GoFundMe appeal said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Lisa Jackson and Geraldine Francis. Lisa's daughter, Kumani Jackson, remains in rehabilitation care in Fort Lauderdale following this tragic event.

“Lisa and Geraldine were cherished members of our community, known for their unwavering kindness, warmth, and generosity. Their loss is deeply felt by all who knew them.

“This devastating tragedy has left their family not only mourning the loss of their loved ones but also facing overwhelming financial challenges.

“Kumani’s ongoing medical care, along with the costs of travel, accommodations, and other expenses, has placed a heavy burden on those they’ve left behind.

“Kumani has recently left the trauma hospital [intensive care] and is now receiving treatment from a top rehabilitation hospital in Fort Lauderdale for speech, physical and occupational therapy, because of the brain damage.

“We are reaching out to rally around this family during their time of need.

“Contributions, no matter how small, will provide vital support — helping to cover medical expenses, ease the immediate financial strain, and offer some stability as they navigate their grief.

“Together, we can honour Lisa and Geraldine’s legacy by showing the same compassion and generosity they so freely shared with others. Your support will mean more than words can express.”

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