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Cracker Barrel Shooting Victim Kayla Allen has Died

10-year-old loses month-long battle for her life

 

The only survivor of the April 12 Cracker Barrel shootings has died.

Kayla Allen, 10, had been moved to a hospice a few days ago.

"Kayla, in a perfect body, with no pain or sadness, is in heaven with her mother, sister and our Lord Jesus Christ. Her suffering is over. She is in an eternal paradise," a family friend posted on her Facebook page.

Her mother, Kate, and sister, Kerri, who had just turned 10, were both killed in the shootings. Police say Kevin Allen opened fire on his wife and daughters after Kate told him she was leaving him.

Kayla seemed to be on the road to recovering, with her condition upgraded to fair, when she suffered a brain aneurysm, the Facebook page said.

"Happy she is with her family in heaven," one Facebook follower wrote.

"Rest in peace, little angel," said another.

Kate's brother, Carl, and his wife, Michelle, had been caring for Kayla.

The family released this statement:

"The family of Kayla Allen is appreciative and grateful for the support and prayers of so many during this journey. Kayla has died peacefully at home. She has been surrounded by family and friends for the past few days, comfortable and serene. This time has been most meaningful to us as we held her and loved her, prayed for her and said our goodbyes.

We have been heartened by the hopes and outpouring of concern of friends as well as strangers and this has given us comfort during a most difficult time."

Information about a public memorial service will be forthcoming, said the statement, which was delivered by Hospice of the Western Reserve.

The hospice said the family wanted Kayla to receive hospice care at home.

"The Hospice of the Western Reserve Pediatric Team was able to fulfill this desire," the hospice posted on Twitter. "Kayla Allen died at 3:40 p.m. today in the arms of her aunt and was surrounded by friends and family."

Related Topics: kayla allen, kevin allen, man who shot family, and shooting at cracker barrel

test

5:47 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Kayla, you were grace's best friend and fellow GEAK, dance freely now. We love you forever

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Tina Lewis Kozarik

7:17 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

I can't remember the last time I've felt so incredibly heart broken.
I'm so thankful for the fact that Kayla is not suffering anymore; but I was really hoping and praying for the miracle that only God could provide in healing her.
Please, let us all not lose sight of how we were banded together to rally around this wonderful, beautiful little angel. Let us all continue to be a community and help each other out- in love, selfless love as has been seen in the last month.
Kayla- you made more of an impact on this community than anyone or anything I can remember- God bless you. I can't wait to meet you face to face in heaven- I know I will see you there!

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Paul Summers

9:37 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012

See you later precious little cousin. Love from your cousins Paul and Barbara Summers in Rogersville, MO.

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